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Captain Miller's Code Of Kantian Ethics

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Recommended: Military leadership philosophies

Alec Piotrowski
Mr. Harrington
SMJ Block B
21 February 2023
Kant Essay
Kantian Ethics is a moral philosophy emphasizing the importance of rationality, duty, and the categorical imperative in determining the morality of actions. Fundamental principles include the universal law formulation, which states that one should only act according to maxims that can be consistently willed as universal laws, and the humanity formulation, which requires treating others as ends in themselves and not merely as means. Kant's theory evaluates moral good and evil based on adherence to these principles rather than the consequences of an action. In the case of Captain Miller, the moral act involves deciding whether to follow orders or prioritize the life of a single …show more content…

Miller's decision to prioritize the mission over the individual soldier's life is a moral duty. Still, if all military leaders were to prioritize missions over personal lives, it could lead to a world where human life is devalued. This may not be a consistent universal law, as it could cause harm to society. Next, we examine the humanity formulation, which requires treating others as ends in themselves. By prioritizing the mission, Captain Miller may be using the soldier to achieve a lot, disregarding his value as a human being. However, it could also be argued that the mission's success would save many more lives, thus promoting the greater good. In conclusion, Captain Miller's decision is morally complex, and whether it aligns with Kantian Ethics depends on one's interpretation of the categorical imperative and the balance between duty and …show more content…

First, the principle of universalizability suggests that his decision could be considered ethically acceptable if everyone could act similarly in the same situation. In the movie, Captain Miller prioritizes the mission over individual lives, demonstrating a commitment to the greater good that, if universally applied, could lead to a more just and peaceful world. Second, Captain Miller's actions reflect treating others as ends in themselves. By valuing the mission and the potential to save countless lives, he shows respect for the inherent worth of each person involved. Finally, as a legislator in a kingdom, Miller's decision aligns with the moral law, as he is motivated by duty, not personal desires or

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