Kant's Objectification Of Humanity

Kant defines objectification as mentioned above, as ‘the reducing of a person, a being with humanity, to the position of an object’. The idea of humanity for Kant was the personal lucid nature and capability for rational choice it is about determining what is valuable, and furthermore finding ways to enhance and develop these particular values. Kant’s holds a large weight of significance over the respect for humanity to one’s self and to others around them, he states ‘Humanity must never be treated simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end’ (Kant 1797, 209). Similarly, to Mackinnon and Dworkin, Kant believes that sexual objectification is not morally permissible, however unlike Mackinnon and Dworkin, he believes that there is a solution to sexual objectification. The …show more content…
The notion that Kant has for objectification, lays purely on one of the seven features from Nabussam’s theory; Instrumentality. As explained above, it involves regarding someone for an object, for use. It is important to note, that Kant in concept understood that both men and women can be objectified, however, he was clear that he knew women are the most likely victims of objectification. This became more aware in the discussion of prostitution and how expressing that type of sexuality within ethically problematic sexual environments leads to the decline of women to men’s objects of eagerness. Prostitution, the exchange of one’s sexual gratification for a profit automatically loses the women’s humanity and becomes a ‘object’. Even though the man is using her body to ‘satisfy his appetite’ (Kant lectures on Ethics, 165). He states that it is not permissible in any way to allow one to use another, ‘Human beings are not permitted to offer themselves, for benefit, as things for the use of others gratification of their sexual inclinations’. Kant goes on to accuses the prostitute for her objectification, as she is surrendering her body for clients