Hypothetical imperative

Both philosophers used a first principle to govern their ideas and both philosophers were interested in universality. Kant using his categorical imperative to universalize all to be ends within themselves, and Mill in considering consequences for all sentient creatures as well as the greatest happiness for the greatest amount of people. Also, they both took into account duties to others: the rules…

through pure reason in which he bases his moral law on something that has never been experienced before that we are able to imagine and strive towards. Kant’s theory circles around the idea of a Supreme Principle of Morality called the Categorical Imperative which encompasses the Formula of Universal Law and the Formula of Humanity; all of which I will…

Kantians and Utilitarians in Irene’s case, as their theories might provide important insights to the matter. Kantians believe that decisions should be made based on an individual’s duties and the rights of other people. He believes in the categorical imperative which are moral duties that apply to everyone. Kant states we should treat individuals as an end and never merely as a means, meaning a person should be treated fairly and like autonomous beings. For example, a doctor is not to treat his…

Morality and the Theories of. At first thought the idea of morality seems to be universally known. In most civilized societies, when asked, most people can give you an answer on what is moral and what it means to be moral. A descriptive definition of morality as written by Gert and Bernard says that “morality” in the normative sense does not have, namely, that it refers to codes of conduct that are actually put forward and accepted by some society, group, or individual.”(1) So even in our…

of his own and society’s morals. Kant lists five “formulations” that are involved in rational decision-making. Rational beings have utilized the “Categorical Imperative” to shape today’s society by way of relationships and treatises. These formulations give rational beings an expanded view of the many faces of the Categorical Imperative. Kant’s first formulation is that of a “Universal Law.” This entails that the “will behind…

art IIII: Immanuel Kant Immanuel Kant published A Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785) five years after Bentham’s Principles of Morals and Legislations, launching a scathing critique of utilitarianism. Kant proposed that a moral action does not suggest treating individuals as a means to an end. What Kant means by this is that we treat individuals for the sake of something else (means), such as Dudley and Stephens treating Parker as a means to maximise happiness. Instead, a moral…

From the word Kantian, ascribed from the Greek Philosopher, Immanuel Kant. The 18th Century Philosopher is one of the most significant contributors to ethical theory and part of the Enlightenment movement. Kantianism emphasizes on the principles behind actions rather than an action’s results. Kant famously brought Rationalism and Empiricism together; and thus is credited with the ‘Copernican Revolution in Philosophy’. Kant’s theory is an example of a deontological moral theory, derived from the…

According to Nicholas Walter (1997), humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance grounded in the belief of the importance of the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and relies on critical thinking and evidence (rationalism, empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition. Furthermore, the British Humanist Association acknowledges humanism as grounded in the belief that the life we humans live is the only life that we have, that the universe is a natural…

How is it that people are to follow through with something without considering the consequences? Immanuel Kant argues that we as people should not act for reasons because if we do, we will be self-contradicting ourselves. He believes that we are being morally irrelevant if we base are wrong doings or right doings with consequences before we choose to do the action. He believes we should be willing to accomplish our duties and tasks without worrying about the aftermath of an action. Kant believes…

duties and laws upon themselves, which are derived from the categorical imperative. According to Kant: “There is, therefore, only one categorical imperative. It is: Act only accruing to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law” (Korsgaard 314). For Kant, the categorical imperative serves as a decision procedure to determine if one’s action is morally right. To use the categorical imperative, one must first identify the maxim of one’s action. Second,…