Essay about Kant´s Philosophy of Ethics - 1823 Words

In the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Immanuel Kant proposes his philosophy of ethics. In order to accurately approach this topic and present fluent deduction he begins by defining philosophy into three fields. There is â€Å"Physics† of which studies the physical world, there is â€Å"Ethics† of which is the study of morality and finally there is logic of which serves to study logical principles. Kant then divides the studying into two parts as well, separating it as either â€Å"empirical† (serving to study experiences) or â€Å"pure† (serving to study concepts). As Kant uses this work to achieve a certain goal it is important to note that within the text he is proposing a pure study of morality, for morality is applied to all rational beings and†¦show more content†¦When driven to undertake an action for the necessity of something such as the attainment of personal happiness or anything else less than universal it is referred to by Ka nt as a â€Å"hypothetical imperative.† Kant then explains that this should be thought of as discouraging for moral principles are derived from reason and not from experience. For moral principles cannot come from experience as experience itself is contingent to circumstance. Conversely, moral require absolute validity and is independent from all circumstances. For this reason, it is possible for it to be applied to all circumstances and this is defined by Kant to be the â€Å"categorical imperative†. The categorical imperative operates upon the same methodology as the moral law and it is similarly violated by those who believe who apply â€Å"double standards†. The categorical imperative may further be identified as a requirement to not treat other rational beings as means, for Kant expresses that all rational beings contain the ability of pursuing goals, but never consider themselves as only a means to another purpose for their actions are ultimately taken on their own behalf and are ends in themselves. To treat others as a means would contradict the reality of all rational beings serving as ends inShow MoreRelatedKant And Kant s Philosophy On Ethics970 Words   |  4 PagesEthics, What is it? many a man have asked the same question. A dictionary describes ethics as-moral principles that govern a person s or group s behavior. Is there a universal ethical behavior ? Are all countries ethical ? Theses very same questions many philosophers have tried to figure through time from Socrates to Immanuel kant (and to this very day for the matter!). While comparing two great eathist Plato and Immanuel Kant I, the writer argue that Kant s ideological views on ethics were farRead MoreKant s Philosophy On Ethics1213 Words   |  5 PagesKant lived in an era where utilitarianism was becoming a widespread philosophical ideal, in which the group was valued greater than the individual. However, Kant argued that every individual has inherent value sta ting, â€Å"a human being †¦ exists as an end in itself, not merely as a means for the discretionary use for this or that will, but must in all its actions†¦ always be considered at the same time as an end† (Groundwork 4:428). 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A great role in Kant’s studies belongs to the analysis of ethics, morality and law as the main regulators of the human behavior in the society Kant is known as the founder of the deontological ethics (Kantianism), which presentsRead MoreLying, By Jeremy Bentham1613 Words   |  7 Pagesthe more you do it the more comfortable one may become. Lying becomes a habit to many people, a habit they have a hard time breaking. Lying can simply be defined in one word, deception. Jeremy Bentham who is a British philosopher in the 1700’s and early 1800’s believed in the principle of utility otherwise known as utilitarianism. Jeremy Bentham thinks it’s permissible to tell a small lie because in the long run Bentham is looking for the ultimate amount of happiness. Bentham believes in the greatest