...and all moral judgments are rationally supported. So such as rational thought leads us to an objective reality, so too is there an objective morality we can locate through the same process. The categorical imperative is an absolute non-negotiable, universal moral law that holds up regardless of the circumstance. What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. Many maxims approach categorical imperatives as one of two answers. One such maxim I derived is that a little evil now can prevent untold evil later. This maxim, little evil now can prevent untold evil later, has qualities of a categorical imperative that apply to many lives, while also leaning towards the ultimatum of being a hypothetical imperative....
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...Section One In section one, Kant argues from common sense morality to the supreme principle of morality, which he calls the categorical imperative. Kant thinks that uncontroversial premises from our shared common sense morality, and analysis of common sense concepts such as ‘the good’, ‘duty’, and ‘moral worth’, will yield the supreme principle of morality, namely, the categorical imperative. Kant’s discussion in section one can be roughly divided into four parts: (1) The good will (2) The teleological argument. (3) The three propositions regarding duty and (4) The categorical imperative. The Good Will Kant thinks that, with the exception of the good will, all goods are qualified. By qualified, Kant means that those goods are good insofar as they presuppose or derive their goodness from something else. Take wealth as an example. Wealth can be extremely good if it is used for human welfare, but it can be disastrous if a corrupt mind is behind it. In a similar vein, we often desire intelligence and take it to be good, but we certainly would not take the intelligence of an evil genius to be good. The good will, by contrast, is good in itself. Kant writes, “A good will is not good because of what it effects or accomplishes, because of its fitness to attain some proposed end, but only because its volition, that is, it is good initself . . . .” (4:394) The precise nature of the good will is subject to scholarly debate. The Teleological Argument Kant believes that a teleological...
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...Autonomy provides self-identification and placement in a person culture. Immanuel Kant believes that autonomy plays a big role in making ethical decisions. I believe that is correct and this is because morals vary from culture to culture and universalizability does not exist. Morals are supposed to bring good but there are circumstances where a moral action might bring damage. Due to this premise I feel as though it is not always right to do the duty that is expected. I also believe that if a duty is imposed on us, the fulfillment of that duty will not make us any more ethical. To explain my universalizability statement, Immanuel Kant believes that acting immorally is unreasonable because it is inconsistently unfair and unjust towards whomever it may have a negative impact on, even though that person may not know. According to Kant, an action is morally right if its maxim is universalizable. In which a maxim is a “principle of action you give yourself when you are about to do something” (162), and universalizable means that your acts of your maxim would be supported by everyone. According to Russ Shafer-Landau in The Fundamentals of Ethics, Kant believes that, “the morality of our actions has nothing to do with results. It has everything to do with our intentions and reasons for action, those are contained in the principle we live by” (163). Morality relies on people acting out with a good intention, but the action has to be universalizable, and if it is not, we are being inconsistent...
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...Chong Bland (Linda) Ken Maddox Business Ethics 4/09/2011 Week # 3 Drop box assignment Immanuel Kant and his contribution to the study of business ethics Immanuel Kant focuses mainly on the role of duty. He believes that actions can be in accord with duty or be from duty. Duty is defined as an action which we are obligated to perform out of respect for the moral law. Moral law is practical reason, which is in every rational person, though some people are more aware of it than others. Moral law is having the knowledge of the difference between good and evil, and an inner conviction that we should do what is good. The concept of duty includes good will. Good will is good without qualification; it is good in itself and good through willing alone. It comes from an instinct within us and cannot be denied. Good will can be seen in moderation, self-control and sober reflection. There are things in everyday life that have to do with duty. We are innately born with the capacity to learn right from wrong. Every single human being is molded by their parents, teachers, and anyone else who is a part of their life, from there on is how we determine what is good and what is evil. It is my duty to preserve my life. This idea works because there are many people there are many people who hate their lives and yet they will still keep their life dear to them. These people are not doing it for self satisfaction; it is just their duty to live on. A man...
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...in this work. NAME OF STUDENT…………………………………………………………. SIGNATURE…………………………………………………………………… DATE: …………………………………………………………………………… SUPERVISOR………………………………………………………………….. SIGNATURE…………………………………………………………………… DATE: ………………………………………………………………………….. 3 ABSTRACT The importance of a philosophical study dealing with moral issues, especially the principle of autonomy is indisputably great. It is a common agreement that morality is located within the scope of duty. Kant corroborates this held agreement by stating the categorical imperative which every human is obliged to act upon. He conceived this categorical imperative as the moral law which all those who claim to be moral beings have to live on. However, he also affirmed that only autonomous beings can be moral. Moreover, Autonomy seems to be opposed to any idea of law. It is important to note that Kant conceived autonomy as auto-legislation, auto-determination of the moral subject while the categorical imperative requires a total submission of the same subject. What is categorical imperative? What is moral autonomy? How can a person be autonomous and...
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...The Categorical Imperative Analyzing Immanuel Kant’s Grounding for A Metaphysics of Morals Anders Bordum WP 4/2002 January 2002 MPP Working Paper No. 4/2002 © January 2002 ISBN: 87-91181-06-2 ISSN: 1396-2817 Department of Management, Politics and Philosophy Copenhagen Business School Blaagaardsgade 23B DK-2200 Copenhagen N Denmark Phone: +45 38 15 36 30 Fax: +45 38 15 36 35 E-mail: as.lpf@cbs.dk www.cbs.dk/departments/mpp 2 The Categorical Imperative Analyzing Immanuel Kant's Grounding for a Metaphysics of Morals By Anders Bordum Keywords: Categorical imperative, discourse ethics, duty, ethics, monologic, dialogic, Immanuel Kant, Jürgen Habermas, self-legislation, self-reference. 3 Abstract In this article I first argue that Immanuel Kant’s conception of the categorical imperative is important to his philosophy. I systematically, though indirectly, interconnect the cognitive and moral aspects of his thinking. Second, I present an interpretation of the Kantian ethics, taking as my point of departure, the concept of the categorical imperative. Finally, I show how the categorical imperative is given a dialogical interpretation by Jürgen Habermas in his approach, usually referred to as discourse ethics. I argue that the dialogical approach taken by discourse ethics is more justifiable and therefore more usefuli. I The Synthesis of Rationalism and Empiricism The philosophy of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is in the main inspired...
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...and morality? Explain your answer. When it comes to ethics in business, many companies are famous for their downfall due to poor ethics. A recent example of this is Enron and the accounting fraud that took place. The term ethics can have multiple meanings, and can often be thought of as morality. To me, the definition of ethics is the ability to judge what is right or wrong concerning human behavior. Human behavior includes individuals, and also groups of people or organizations. As described in the textbook, the term ethics and morals can be used interchangeably. However, the definition of morality at least to me, is culturally acceptable practices that have been passed down through the generations. Being that scholars are using the two terms interchangeably as time passes, it is completely understandable as to why this is happening, as the two definitions are very similar in character. Ethics being the judgment of right and wrong versus a passed down culturally acceptable practice is how the two definitions are different. Because of this reason, I feel that the two are not exactly the same and should not be used interchangeably. There are five approaches to ethics and how they are viewed in the world. The first of these approaches is Utilitarianism. This approach is based upon the basis that something should be done with the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Kant’s Categorical Imperative is the next approach to ethics. In this approach, Kant thought that people...
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...Kant Versus Mill On Morality Philosophy Essay Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher born in 1724 and died in 1804. His philosophical writings influenced people, not only in Europe but the world over. Centuries later, his works still form a major point of reference in studies carried out in the modern world. His writings were such that they brought a new dimension in religion, law and history. Among his many works was the ‘Metaphysics of Morals’ which form the basis for this paper. His view of morals is that our desires and emotions are categorically imperative, meaning that they are conscience driven. His philosophy is closely related to the golden rule which states that one should always act in accordance to the outcome that will give him the best outcome, while the categorical imperative rule of Kant seems to suggest that actions must be universal for them to be classified as either moral or immoral (Thomas, p10) John Stuart Mill on the other hand was a British philosopher born in 1806 and died in 1873. He also strongly contributed to the development of philosophical views that have continued to influence different aspects in different disciplines like sociology, politics and economy. Among his many developments is the utilitarianism theory that explains morality. Mill argues that the usefulness or moral worth of an action is determined by its utility (pleasure or satisfaction derived from the consequences of the action). Mill seems to suggest that our emotions and desires...
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...I. DEFINITION OF ETHICS Rushworth Kidder states that "standard definitions of ethics have typically included such phrases as 'the science of the ideal human character' or 'the science of moral duty' ". Ethics, sometimes known as philosophical ethics, ethical theory, moral theory, and moral philosophy, is a branch ofphilosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct, often addressing disputes of moral diversity. The term comes from the Greek word ἠθικός ethikos from ἦθος ethos, which means "custom, habit". The superfield within philosophy known as axiology includes both ethics and aesthetics and is unified by each sub-branch's concern with value. Philosophical ethics investigates what is the best way for humans to live, and what kinds of actions are right or wrong in particular circumstances. Ethics may be divided into three major areas of study: * Meta-ethics, about the theoretical meaning and reference of moral propositions and how their truth values (if any) may be determined * Normative ethics, about the practical means of determining a moral course of action * Applied ethics draws upon ethical theory in order to ask what a person is obligated to do in some very specific situation, or within some particular domain of action (such as business) Related fields are moral psychology, descriptive ethics, and value theory. Ethics seeks to resolve questions dealing with human morality—concepts such as good and evil...
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...provides structure in an individual’s life which promotes motivation to act responsibly. In this paper, I will explain the three “Classical Theories of Morality” including how they align with my morals and cultural identity. Furthermore, I will explain how my cultural identity impacts social responsibility. The first classical theory of morality that I want to delve upon is Nicomachean Ethics created by philosopher Aristotle. Aristotle describes how personal morality is achieved through human nature, eudaimonia and virtuous activity. Aristotle believes that individuals must have intellectual virtues together with moral virtues to live well in communities. Intellectual virtues can be taught, moral virtues must be acquired through habit and require a certain sort of community if they are to be realized (Scalet & Arthur, 2014, p. 75). One lives a well life by developing, balancing and implementing exceptional virtues. It is our duty therefore to keep a certain character in our activities, since our moral states depend on the differences in our activities (Scalet & Arthur, 2014, p. 79). The second classical theory of morality that I want to delve upon is the fundamental principles of the metaphysic of morals created by philosopher Immanuel Kant. Kant developed an important system for determining morality known as the categorical imperative. The categorical imperative constitutes the heart of the distinction between right and wrong, a distinction that any rational being can comprehend...
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...the APN, Empiricism influences on practice, comfort theory (CT) influences, deontology influences and utilization of the praxis in practice. Praxis Overview Merriam-Webster Dictionary (nd) defines praxis as first originating from Medieval Greek, and means doing, performing or practicing a skill, art or science. Chinn and Kramer (2011), explains praxis as a freedom of knowing that makes one reach a full potential, and optimal well-being. Praxis is different from one nurse to another. Nurse expertize develops overtime, through ongoing knowledge, critical thinking skills, and how one perceive the situation. Experience encourages self-motivation and promotes change (Chinn & Kramer, 2011). APN’s encounter with each patient is different, unique, and requires self-reflection of the encounter. With the current changes in patient care needs, praxis should be geared towards the APN area of practice (Masters, 2011).The more individualized the praxis framework the higher the wanted outcome, for both the practitioner and the patient. It is critical for an APN to have a picture of the expected role in practice. Overview of Advanced Nursing Role The family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), who cares for patients and families across the lifespan. The...
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...Deontology — Claudio Toro 2010/11/19 20:16 We all talk about what is right or wrong. Some think about why is it that way, or how it should be instead. Following said train of thought, philosophers from different eras have come up with different theories and genealogies. From these ideas emerge ideologies like utilitarianism, the Aristotelian virtue ethics, and deontology. This essay will try to give a short introduction to the latter one, explaining its basis and its most famous proponents. The cornerstone of deontology (from the Greek “deon” , which means duty or obligation) is that deciding upon what is right or not for any situation should be based on a preconceived set of rules and our duty to follow them, disregarding any possible consequences. Many of us abide to a set of regulations which we try not to betray, like for example “do not lie.” However, this maxim is often twisted by the moral agent to fit the current situation. A deontologist would not do that. If I were to subscribe to the deontological doctrine, my rule (in this case “do not lie”) would be constant and invariable, applying it by the letter in every context. It is easy to see that this view on morality is absolutist, leaving no space for exceptions, and it is this feature that makes this theory as old as human history: “when the word of the chief, or the king, or God, was given unconditionally and without invitation to appeal on the basis of consequences”1). But deontology is not a one-way-only...
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...AS Philosophy & Ethics Course Handbook 2013 to 2014 [pic] OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/hss/rs/index.aspx OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) You are studying Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics and will be awarded an OCR AS Level in Religious Studies. The modules and their weightings are: |AS: |Unit Code |Unit Title |% of AS |(% of A Level) | | |G571 |AS Philosophy of Religion |50% |(25%) | | |G572 |AS Religious Ethics |50% |(25%) | If you decide to study for the full A Level you will have to study the following modules at A2: |A2: |Unit Code |Unit Title |(% of A Level) | | |G581 |A2 Philosophy of Religion |(25%) | | |G582 |A2 Religious Ethics |(25%) | Grading | ...
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...whys of what we do and become who we are, and try to interpret that. So do artists, poets and novelists. But philosophers choose to situate individual beings and their actions within larger theoretical settings, called principles. They search for the defining principles that guide our actions, and for general descriptions that will explain the way things are and what they mean. This effort is to help us both understand ourselves better and act better. As philosophers have considered human experience, three fundamental areas have been elicited: How and what we know, think or understand ------> theory What we create, produce or make -------> arts How we act, what we do or should do -------> practice The third strand will be the focus of our exploration in this seminar: How should we act? What should we be, or become? This debate is known as “moral theory” or ethics. As the semester moves along, we will narrow our focus by asking these precise questions in the context of the business world: how ought we to act; what kind of person should we be as we fulfill our roles as managers, employers, employees and what is the nature of a corporation as a moral entity. The goals of this course include the following: 1....
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...to enact reforms in order to put the agency’s programs back into balance (Kurtzleben 1). The pending financial problem of Social Security brings into mind the philosophy of John Stuart Mill. Mill clearly endorses the concept of utilitarianism that asserts that duty or right action is to be defined in terms of the promotion of happiness. One of the main principles of Mill centers on the idea of “greatest-happiness” which asserts that an individual must always act in such a way that the action will produce the greatest aggregate happiness among everyone. Under his conception of utilitarian, the acts are classified as either morally right or wrong depending on the consequences and its relation to the intrinsic good. Mill proposed that the role of the government is to seek as well as provide the greatest happiness of the greatest number (Mill 17). The utilitarian ethics of Mill can be used as a guide for the government in solving the imminent collapse of the Social Security’s financial health. Maximization is an important part of...
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