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Imperative Vs Deontology

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Two Interpretations

Deontology (Immanuel Kant) Critique Deontology means the study or duty or obligation. Kant believed that we "are morally obligated to act in accordance with a certain set of principles and rules regardless of outcome" (sevenpillarsinstitute.org). This led to what we know as the Categorical Imperative: "Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that will it should become a universal law" (csus.edu). A lot of time this is compared to the Golden rule, "treat everyone the way you want to be treated". In this case, we are dealing with a mother that we are sure loves her children and her mother dearly. As a committee, we have to take a look at ourselves and think, why are we making the decision that …show more content…

Kant believed that we shouldn 't depend on the consequences but more on whether or not we have fulfilled our duty. Philosopher John Stewart Mill believed that we determine "right from wrong by focusing on outcomes" (Ethics Unwrapped). With this theory, utilitarians will do what they need to do to get the outcome that they desire. This may result in lying, cheating or stealing. Is this an approach that the committee may use to get the student what she wants? From an ethical stand point, I don 't believe that the committee would take their decision making this far to help the student out. This makes me wonder, is this an approach that the student may have taken in order for the committee to approve her appeal? We can only base our thoughts and opinions on what we were provided by the student and the little bit of research that was conducted by the committee …show more content…

How can we know what we are being told is true? Ethics Unwrapped by the University of Texas made a great observation that Utilitarianism is the "only framework that can be used to justify military force of war". They also mentioned that utilitarianism "has trouble accounting for values such as justice and individual rights". This brings me back to my question of how do we know if what we are being told is true? We don 't know what the values, morals or ethics are of this student. In an organization, especially higher education, this is an institution that is full of people who are only there for the benefit of themselves and do whatever they can to reach their success. Ethically, as a committee, these are things we need to take into consideration when approving or denying these

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