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Kantian Ethics: Prussian Philosopher Immanuel Kant

516 Words3 Pages

Kantian Ethics is a theory thought up by the Prussian philosopher Immanuel Kant. Kant based his theory on the grounds that what is good is already known to most everyone; if this claim, that what is good is already known to most people, proved to be false then the theory of Kantian Ethics would fall apart. The two main principles of Kantian Ethics are Universality and respect for persons. The idea of universality is that we should always abide by the moral rule or principle that applies to everyone. The idea of respect for persons is that we should always treat the other person as an end and not as a means only; also, that every human was born with a dignity that should be respected by all others. The process of applying Kantian Ethics goes as follows; List the possible options that could be taken, apply universality and eliminate all options that logically could not be moral standards for everyone, apply respect for persons and eliminate all options that exploit anyone, choose any of the remaining options. Kantian ethics is based on reasoning; therefore, it is accessible to anyone. It also …show more content…

Options:

Amy could illegally give Rose the information she needs.

Amy could locate roses family and try to contact them.

Amy could obey the law and refuse to give Rose the information.

Amy could research the law and find out if there are any exceptions to the law.

Apply Categorical Imperative/Universality:

Amy could illegally give Rose the information she needs. Would I want all people, consistently, universally to break laws to help someone? No.

Amy could locate roses family and try to contact them. Would I want all people, consistently, universally to put in extra effort to help others? Yes.

Amy could obey the law and refuse to give Rose the information. Would I want all people, consistently, universally to obey the law even when it might cost someone their life?

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