...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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...John Stuart Mill vs. Immanuel Kant The aim of this paper is to clearly depict how John Stuart Mill’s belief to do good for all is more appropriate for our society than Immanuel Kant’s principle that it is better to do what's morally just. I will explain why Mill’s theory served as a better guide to moral behavior and differentiate between the rights and responsibilities of human beings to themselves and society. Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill are philosophers who addressed the issues of morality in terms of how moral customs are formed. Immanuel Kant presented one perspective in The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals that is founded on his belief that the worth of man is inherent in his skill to reason. John Stuart Mill holds another belief as presented in the book, Utilitarianism, which is seemingly conflicting with the thoughts of Kant. What is most unique about the ethics of morality is the idea of responsibilities to particular individuals. According to both Mill and Kant, moral obligations are not fundamentally particularistic because they are rooted in universal moral principles. Both philosophers have made great impacts in their niche areas in the field. An analysis of their theories may help develop a better understanding of them and their theories. Mill holds an empiricist theory while Kant holds a rationalist theory. Kant explains morality through forms that he believes are essential to free and sensible judgment. Mill’s utilitarian approach...
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...“ CHARCOAL: AN ALTERNATIVE INK ” AN INVESTIGATORY PROJECT SUBMITTED AS AN ENTRY TO THE SCHOOL BASED SCIENCE FAIR . SY 2012-2013 GROUP CATEGORY BUTUAN GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PROPONENTS: CHARLES JUELL V. AVILA JONATHAN LUKE D. LLOREN JONATHAN A. BECERRO JANINE VALERIE R. PABIA MERIAM P. PLAZA MRS. MARDELIE D. SESCON SCIENCE TEACHER “ CHARCOAL: AN ALTERNATIVE INK ” TABLE OF CONTENTS : ABSTRACT. ....1 RESEARCH PLAN.... ....1-2 INTRODUCTION .... ....3 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY. ....3 STATEMENT OF THEPROBLEM . ....3 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS. ....4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.. ....4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS.. ....4 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE. ....4-5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.. ....5 CONCLUSION. ....5 RECOMMENDATION... ....5 BIBLIOGRAPHY.. ......6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. ......6 ABSTRACT: The world today is suffering for an economic crisis; many people seem to realize the importance of each item that needs to be bought. Ink is an ordinary item but prevalent in everyday use. Some things that provide ink for its functions are expensive that not all people can afford. That’s why the researcher investigated a project that can help lessen the economic crisis for the production of ink. The researchers pounded some charcoal and combined it with alcohol. Added a small amount of vinegar to add stability to the ink. The Vinegar also makes it more permanent, once it has dried on the paper. Strained and transferred it to a container. After the study...
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...Introduction Ash is a vital ingredient in the canine diet as it is the main constituent of minerals within most diets. Ash content in food is determined by burning the food to calculate the ash percentage left behind. A deficiency in any of the minerals within ash would result in a wide range of health problems which is why it is a legal requirement to display the ash content on food packaging. This experiment is designed to recreate the process undergone by the pet food company to determine the ash content within the food. Method Weigh silica crucible and record weight prior to experiment. Grind over 5g of food sample in pestle and mortar and measure 5g of ground sample into the crucible. (W0) Place the dish in a baking oven for 24hrs to dry out the sample. Reweigh the sample in silica crucible, This is now the true weight of the sample (W1) Set up the bunsen burner on top of the heatproof mat with tripod and clay pipe triangle above to support the crucible. Ignite the bunsen burner and begin to heat the sample slowly ensuring the sample does not set on fire as this will result in a loss of material to the atmosphere in the form of particles. The sample should turn black. Once the sample reaches roughly 100°C continue to heat to 500°C until the sample turns white. Allow sample to cool to room temperature in a dessicator. Weigh the finished sample (W2) Calculate the ash content (X): (W2-W0)/(W1/W0)x100=X Materials: Silica dish Baking Oven Bunsen Burner ...
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...Makabuhay and Chili Extract ABSTRACT This investigatory project utilizes Makabuhay stem and chili pepper extract to produce insecticide as a substitute for a commercial product to kill cockroaches and ants. The insecticide was extracted out of Makabuhay stem and chili pepper. The insecticide was done by chopping the chili pepper into smaller pieces and a pounded Makabuhay stem to get its pulp. An insecticide was given to the different ants and cockroaches. The data analysis shown that the use of this insecticide is as effective as the use of commercial products in killing ants and cockroaches. The results was very successful because the insects were killed after spraying the insecticide to them. This study investigates the potential of makabuhay and chili extracts combine together as a household insecticide against ants and cockroaches. The mixture was made into a solution with little water and sprayed onto ants and cockroaches at varying concentrations. The researchers aim to keep your family health away from the diseases that the cockroaches and ants may bring. This insecticide cannot harm your family health because it is environmental friendly , doesn’t have a harmful chemicals. METHODOLOGY • Materials/Equipment The researchers gathered Chili, Makabuhay stem, Mortar and pestle, Beaker, Graduated cylinder, Piece of cloth, Spray bottle, Stirring rod and Water. • Procedure ...
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...Deontological ethics Deontology is a normative theory attributed to Immanuel Kant, which focuses on the concept of the duty. It is concerned on fulfilling what is believed to be a moral duty without considering its impact to other people. It takes the stand that the duty defines the right actions regardless of the consequences. The hold of deontological ethics is that doing right is what conform the moral laws. According to Kant, right actions are not done by following inclinations, impulses or obeying the principle of greatest happiness but are done simply and purely from the sense of duty. Kessler says that some ethical truths and norms are appropriate to everyone in the society, and therefore, people should always act morally irrespective of the outcome for their morals. In deontology ethics, actions are done for the sake of duty. The intrinsic moral feature determines the rightness or wrongness of the act taken by individuals. The duty should always be done by taking the right. For example, duty of a teacher is to benefit a student, and he would like to know the impact of different teaching techniques to the student so as to help him determine the technique which can and cannot benefit the students. Therefore, the rightness of the action is dictated by the rule of the act and not by the outcomes of the act. Rather, outcomes helps to determine the best action to up keep the established duty. Kant says that in doing the right action, it all matters with the altitude towards...
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...Outline Kant: Basic definition and Ideas Mentions that good will, virtue of freedom are essential in obtaining happiness. Claims that establishment of a good will: shaping important desires, and attaining reasons for a good will is a process of striving for satisfaction. Very introspective to sensibility: Will is more valuable in making decisions than decisions under natural phenomenon. (Practical reason vs. Rational reason) Morality First Proposition of Morality: The relationship between duty and inclination: inclination has more personal connection and motivations which make the decisions and actions more introspective, which is why we need a strong will. Decisions can be moral if people do not perform actions under what they are told but truly become introspective about what they have in mind. Second Proposition of Morality: Duty lacks personal responsibility and thus, it cannot be understood as having followed by material principle. Third Proposition of Morality: Similar to the above: duty does not have a full account of respect, therefore does not require personal commitment into thinking under morality Mill: Basic definition and Ideas: Mentions satisfaction level, yet happiness are ultimately due to pride and dignity. Happiness cannot be measured under any quantity terms and each type of happiness is different. Happiness is the absence of pain and pleasure and unhappiness is deprivation of pain and pleasure. He also believes that people should enjoy...
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...what makes an action morally just as opposed to morally unjust through essentially opposite viewpoints. Despite a key difference between their philosophies, Kant and Mill contribute to an overall picture of the historical ethical argument. Chronologically, the first major philosopher, Immanuel Kant, presents an argument that is based upon solely “a priori” knowledge, or rather knowledge that does not come from experience. Kant explains that because we are all rational beings, we are able to separate ourselves from our current human condition and use our own ability to reason to see a broad picture of what is morally acceptable to others. Similarly, Kant finds that the only thing which is good without limitation is a good will; that is, it is the intention of an action that determines the moral validity of any claim, not the effects both foreseen and actual. Kant connects this idea of morality to the claim that humans should act out of duty instead of just what is according to duty. The difference between these two ideas, Kant argues, is that “according to duty” is acting in the right way only because of the negative consequences associated with not performing a morally correct action whereas “from duty” refers to the concept of doing something solely because it is the right choice to make in a given situation. Rephrased, Kant calls these two choices the categorical imperative (from duty), which is completely unconditional in its call for action, and the hypothetical imperative...
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...Social Ethics Is Missing Class Morally Permissible? While most schools have an attendance policy, many students feel that missing a class for any reason is morally permissible for the betterment of the student. Morally permissible can be proven by the three approaches to ethics as defined by Michael Sandel, which include: maximizing welfare, respecting freedom and rights, and cultivating virtue and promoting the good life. Maximizing welfare would be seen as an approach to the ethics of utilitarianism and John Stuart Mill; respecting freedom and rights is seen as an approach of Kantian deontology and Immanuel Kant, while the last is seen as an approach of Aristotelian thinking and Aristotle. According to Mill, a utilitarian, he would have argued that missing class for any reason is morally permissible. He backs this up by saying the ends justify the means, which is saying that the end result is what justifies the motive because Mills was a consequentialist who placed emphasis on the outcome of an act. So in the case of missing a class, for example skipping class to study for a test, he is able to justify it by citing the greatest happiness principle, which states, “We ought to do what which produces the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure (for the greatest number of people)”(notes). This states that by not going to class it’s creating the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest amount of people (the class) because if the student was in the class and...
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...consideration that this time around, his life is a gift from a victim who was murdered and this time is possibly his last chance at life. When analyzing McCaleb, we must consider his living medical condition, potential terminal risks that come with receiving a heart transplant, and his personal struggle to fight rejection of his peers. Even though aware of all disadvantages involved in proceeding with his decision to pursue the killer, McCaleb acts out of duty towards other people disregarding all and any consequences. Kant believed that the real character of people is seen at times when their decisions are hanging in a fine line between different choices. For Kant, a person’s temperament and nature would prevail on the road taken. “It is just then that the worth of this character comes out, which is moral and incomparably the highest, namely, that he is beneficent not from inclination but from duty….”(Pg. 356 Groundwork of the Metaphysics of morals, Immanuel Kant) All throughout the movie, there are other multiple Deontological dilemmas that McCaleb encounters. McCaleb seems to take the Categorical Imperative route almost every time. In the beginning of the movie, we are introduced to the...
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...Immanuel Kant adheres to Deontological ethics. His theory offers a view of morality based on the principle of good will and duty. According to him, people can perform good actions solely by good intentions without any considerations to consequences. In addition, one must follow the laws and the categorical imperative in order to act in accordance with and from duty. Several other philosophers such as Hannah Arendt discuss Kant’s moral philosophy. In her case study: “The Accused and Duties of a Law-Abiding Citizen”, Arendt examines how Adolf Eichmann’s actions conformed to Kant’s moral precepts but also how they ran of afoul to his conception of duty. In contrast, John Stuart Mill adopts a teleological view of moral philosophy. He exposes his view of consequentialism and utilitarianism to argue that an action is morally right only to the extent that it maximizes the aggregate happiness of all parties involved regardless of the motive. In the present paper, I will expose Kant’s moral precepts and the importance of duty in his Deontological principles. Then, I will evaluate Arendt’s report on Adolf Eichmann to analyze the ways in which his actions were in accordance to or against Kant’s moral philosophy. I will conclude my discussion with an evaluation of Mill’s approach to morality in order to examine the differences between his teleological philosophy and Kant’s ethical principles. Kant’s moral philosophy is based on the categorical imperative (CI), good will, and duty. According...
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...In the Kantian perspective, the moral foundations are based on deontological background and a priori. Deontology is founded on the basis that the morality of an action is determined by the rules governing people’s duties to one another as human beings. Kant believed that these duties were derived non-empirically from reason within itself (making these duties binding towards everyone equally independent of each person’s experience). The foundation of Kant’s moral law is called the Categorical Imperative which calls for the respect for humanity towards others and oneself regardless of circumstances. To further the belief of his moral perspective, Kant provides three versions of the Categorical Imperative in three separate formulas: the Formula of Universal Law, Formula of Humanity as...
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...When it comes to telling the truth, both Mill and Kant have philosophies that are very different. John Stuart Mill believes that of all the possible actions you have open to you, you should chose the one that will do the greatest good for the greatest number, in other words, you should always chose the options that will make the most people happy. Mill said, “ the right action is the action that produces the greatest happiness” (Kaye). This was the theory that John Stuart Mill believe was the right thing to do. Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher that believed that you should always tell the truth no matter what, which is different that what Mill believes. For Kant, “the only thing that matters is that your mind on doing your duty; the results are not relevant” (Kaye). In other words, Kant believes that you should always tell the truth and...
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...viewpoint by Aristotle, the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant and the Utilitarianism Theory of morality view by John Stuart Mill are the three classical theories of morality. An individual’s acts did not define who they were morally, but the person’s life as a whole did according to Aristotle. Meaning, the things a person did over their lifetime would determine if they had morals or not. This was known as the Nicomachean Ethics viewpoint. In today’s society, this could relate to someone who was an overall moral citizen, but one day that changed for them and they did something horribly wrong. For example, a husband or a wife killing their spouse and the spouses lover because they were found cheating. Aristotle believed the action that was an abnormality should not be considered when considering whether the person was good or bad, but that their good works over their lifetime should be considered. Aristotle believed there were three types of life: one devoted to sensual pleasures, one seeking out political interests and the other being a life of thoughts (Arthur, J. and Scalet, S., 2014). With very different beliefs Immanuel Kant believed that if an action is wrong it will forever be wrong, and there is no justification for those specific actions. However, he does make note that most decisions are based on a sense of duty and people’s rights, and felt that those decisions took priority over a certain action. Kant had three basic concepts of morality, first, having a sense...
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...Kant viewed ethics as a good that is built-in and is internal. So anything that you do is done because you decide that it can be accounted for it being good. According to Kant, they’re some acts that are considered morally right if you allow humans to use their freedom or good will. Instead of allowing humans to have the freedom to make their own choices, you are exploiting them to a life of drugs and are disrespecting their autonomy through manipulation. You are not allowing them to use their freedom therefor you are manipulating their thoughts. Kant would argue that autonomy, or the ability to self-govern yourself is the basis for morality and justice. Kant defines autonomy as having the ability to determine your own maxim. If you can determine...
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