In the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals‚ Kant asserts that actions based on duty is of the virtuous nature and that actions based on inclination are not. In the same time era‚ philosopher Friedrich Schiller satirized Kant’s argument by stating that if a person does a good deed for a friend naturally because that person is his friend‚ then that person is not virtuous. Therefore‚ the person must hate his friend and do the good deed in order for the person to be virtuous. While Kant’s guideline
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“The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end.” - Leon Trotsky. This quote closely relates to a philosophy that became popular in Russia in the 1860’s- utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is a philosophy defined as the idea of the moral worth of an action is determined only by the contribution to the overall utility‚ the contribution of happiness or pleasure among all people. Meaning‚ the moral worth of an action is solely determined by its outcome. Moral choices
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according to Kant? For hundreds of years questions such as what is enlightenment and how can we be enlightened were asked‚ and many different answers were given. Some tell that it is all about being educated‚ knowing few languages or being a great mathematician or a writer; others‚ on contrary‚ say that is not about academic education‚ but about education of our souls‚ that brings harmony and serenity. But every witness has its own truth. So in 1784‚ philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote “What
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Immanuel Kant on the Enlightenment The Enlightenment took place during the seventh and eighteenth century in Europe. It was an intellectual revolution that encouraged people to step away from an ancient way of thinking. It first began in Paris but quickly spread over much of Europe. Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who believed in a “Dare to Know” principle. He argued that people should learn things on their own and think for themselves. Even though Kant believed in thinking for oneself
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on a singular person’s desires or wills. For Kant‚ categorical imperatives are the foundation for morality because they invoke “pure” reasons for our moral actions and decisions since each rational being reasons to act outside of their own personal desires or will which may cloud judgments or impose a biased verdict of the situation. Kant explains this by distinguishing two different kinds of imperatives; categorical and hypothetical. Obviously Kant is interested in categorical imperatives and uses
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Destroying the ecosystem would not be inherently wrong on the basis of utilitarianism if the usage benefits all citizens. The text explains utilitarianism as “everyone should perform that act or follow that moral rule that will bring about the great good (or happiness) for everyone concerned” (Thiroux & Krasemna‚ 2.3). All Utilitarians believe that every action shall be conducted with the highest consideration of all mankind. If each person used the nature for the benefit of all and the resources
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job to be able to financially support your family. Most people would agree that lying or torturing someone is wrong. However‚ some may argue that if you are helping more people than you are hurting‚ then it is okay to lie to or torture someone. Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that the action you choose to perform should result in “the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people” (MacKinnon and Fiala). It is a form of consequentialism that focuses on the consequences of actions
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Enlightenment What is Enlightenment was an essay written by Immanuel Kant in 1784. Its motto: Sapere aude! (Dare to know!). The Enlightenment concerns humanity gaining the courage to think and reason for themselves without the guidance of others. It encourages men to question authority and constantly voice their opinions. It also requires that men in private‚ appointed positions‚ make sure the public knows what is going on in their workplace. Kant considers that priests and clergymen are in private positions
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Immanuel Kant on Law and Justice To be moral living human beings there must be a guiding action. This action varies depending on the degree of obligation: law‚ rule or maxim. A law should promote and protect the common good. Above all‚ a law must be just and reasonable to follow. A rule is a prescribed guide for conduct or action that indicates how we ought to act to behave in certain situations. Rules are not strictly legislated but are nevertheless obligatory guidelines for actions. A maxim
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“Utilitarianism works” Asses this view Bentham created utilitarianism and Mill improved it. It main points are that human society exists to create happiness‚ that happiness is the highest goal and that everything needs to fit a purpose. The advantages of Bentham’s theory include a reasonable link between moralities‚ the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of pain. According to Bowie it seems natural to consider the consequences when deciding our actions. He stated that “Utilitarianism offers
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