Applying an Ethical Theory
Applying an Ethical Theory
Amanda Thorn
PHI 208 Prof. Emilia Sorensen
November 17, 2014
The long debated question of the importance of men and women and their roles has raged on for years. Should men and women be treated equally, that truly is the question that seems to have more answers than resolution. Applying the question to Deontology and the work of Immanuel Kant, the answer would be all people regardless of gender should be treated equally. However, these theories do not take into account the actions of the male or female in question. The question still remains, should men and women be treated equally or should it be based on the situation, all accounts will be taken into further consideration.
Deontology is an ethical theory that only focuses on the act itself, not on the actions the act itself will bring about. Deontologists do acknowledge that actions bring on certain reactions but do not believe the reaction should be taken into consideration when determining if an act was moral or not. “Deontology, taken in its largest sense, is meant that branch of art and science which has for its object the doing on each occasion what is right and proper to be done “(Louden, 1996). Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative takes this and breaks it down into rules and with these rules assumes that all people are moral. These rules have no “but” to them, they are straightforward, basically if you do this, you are moral or immoral. For example, if you kill someone, no matter if it is in self-defense or cold blooded then the person is considered immoral. This theory is not complicated and very to the point, it is easy to follow and has many supporters.
Using Immanuel Kant’s’ categorical imperative to address the issue of men and women being treated equally then men and women should be treated the same. No matter if one is the bread winner and one stays at home, or if one is a high level executive and the other is a secretary. “Act in such a way
Amanda Thorn
PHI 208 Prof. Emilia Sorensen
November 17, 2014
The long debated question of the importance of men and women and their roles has raged on for years. Should men and women be treated equally, that truly is the question that seems to have more answers than resolution. Applying the question to Deontology and the work of Immanuel Kant, the answer would be all people regardless of gender should be treated equally. However, these theories do not take into account the actions of the male or female in question. The question still remains, should men and women be treated equally or should it be based on the situation, all accounts will be taken into further consideration.
Deontology is an ethical theory that only focuses on the act itself, not on the actions the act itself will bring about. Deontologists do acknowledge that actions bring on certain reactions but do not believe the reaction should be taken into consideration when determining if an act was moral or not. “Deontology, taken in its largest sense, is meant that branch of art and science which has for its object the doing on each occasion what is right and proper to be done “(Louden, 1996). Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative takes this and breaks it down into rules and with these rules assumes that all people are moral. These rules have no “but” to them, they are straightforward, basically if you do this, you are moral or immoral. For example, if you kill someone, no matter if it is in self-defense or cold blooded then the person is considered immoral. This theory is not complicated and very to the point, it is easy to follow and has many supporters.
Using Immanuel Kant’s’ categorical imperative to address the issue of men and women being treated equally then men and women should be treated the same. No matter if one is the bread winner and one stays at home, or if one is a high level executive and the other is a secretary. “Act in such a way
References: Kant, I. (2008). Groundwork for the metaphysic of morals. In J. Bennett (Ed. & Trans.), Early Modern Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/pdfs/kant1785.pdf (Original work published in 1785). Louden, R. B. (1996). Torward a genealogy of 'deontology '. Journal of the History of Philosophy, 34(4), 571-592. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/210600328?accountid=32521 Mosser, K. (2013). Understanding philosophy. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.