Kant's Duty Ethics

The term ethical engineering is problematic and faced by many professional engineers today. Questions, such as, “What should I do?”, “Is this morally correct?”, “Am I going to be responsible for these actions?”, etc. arise in many occasions. Volkswagen engineer, James Liang, was faced with these questions when he developed a device to “cheat” the national United States emissions tests, therefore making it seem that the Volkswagen was reputable, and it could be noted as a “clean diesel” vehicle (Volkswagen). Through research, James Liang’s actions are being investigated, and it will be determined if he took responsibility for his actions, responsibility for disclosure, if his actions were justified morally with federal regulations, if he was loyal to his company, and if he served the society in a responsible as well as an ethical manner. Although James Liang plead guilty to his involvement to violate emission standards regarding the Volkswagen, he committed a crime, cheated the system, and brought a horrific reputation to the company as well as himself. His actions will be disclosed by defining two perspectives: rule utilitarianism and Kant’s duty ethics. First and foremost, the difference between rule …show more content…
The will allows the capacity of an individual’s mind to make decisions at free-will. The duty, which is the duty of an individual, is based on the categorical imperative. The maxim is the “rule or principle” (Shakil). Finally, the categorical imperative is where one should “consider the maxim or principle which they are acting” (Garrett). Categorical imperatives can be distinguished by three divisions. First, one must act by a maxim which could rationally will to be universalized. Second, treat everyone as an end; treat everyone as you would want to be treated. Third, autonomy, always be autonomous of the other person,