Kantianism Vs Utilitarianism Research Paper

Kantianism and utilitarianism are both moral theories that appeal to different groups of people. Different people have different views on what makes an action moral or not based on their ideas and values. Kantianism is a moral theory created by Immanuel Kant based on ideas, such as the good-will and a priori knowledge. Utilitarianism is a moral theory created by John Mill and Jeremy Bentham that is based around maximizing happiness. Both of these moral theories are followed by many and help people determine what is moral and what is not. These moral theories have different methods and ideas of the concept of morality and moral dilemmas in different ways. Immanuel Kant is considered by many as the greatest philosopher of the modern time.

For example, giving money to charity because you want to make a difference, not for the praise you will get from others. Even seemingly good things are both good and bad according to the good-will. Two examples are wealth and happiness. Wealth is good when used for the good of society, but bad in cases such as money laundering. Happiness is good if you are happy for the right reasons such as happiness from giving to the poor, but bad when you are happy for the wrong reasons such as being happy to

In his moral theory, Kant also makes a distinction between the hypothetical imperative and the categorized imperative. The hypothetical imperative states if you want Y do X. He states that X is conditional and if you give up Y, then X is unnecessary. He describes that the categorical imperative states to do X and that X is unconditional and necessary. In his moral theory, he also explains the difference between actions in accord with duty and actions from duty. An action done in accord with duty is done for you and there is an inclination behind the action. An action done from duty has moral worth because it is for the good will. There are perfect duties and imperfect duties according to Kant. A perfect duty is narrow and can be defined as a duty of commission. It concerns an act and the violation is clear. It’s basis is one that has impossible universality; for example do not steal, do not lie and do not murder. On the other hand, an imperfect duty is wide and can be defined as a duty of commission. It has a concern with an end and the violation is unclear. It’s basis is one we can’t will; for example, don’t help others and don’t develop your talents. Kant also makes a distinction between person and thing, which he defines as the formula of humanity. He defines a person as every human, which has an end in itself. He states that people have reason and the function of reason