Essay about Kants Formalism Theory - 716 Words

Kants Formalism Theory The theories of Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, have had an impact on the formulation and shaping of ethics today. Immanuel Kant graced this earth from 1724 to 1804. During his eighty year life time, he formulated many interesting ideas regarding ethical conduct and motivation. Kant is strictly a non-consequentialist philosopher, which means that he believes that a persons choices should have nothing to do with the desired outcome, but instead mankind simply goes about doing good because it is morally correct. Kant theorizes that moral reasoning is not based on factual knowledge and that reason by itself can reveal the basic principles of morality. Ideas contemplated and developed and theorized by†¦show more content†¦If you want to reach a specific goal, then you will accomplish these tasks. On the other hand, categorical laws apply to everyone. Regardless of goals or desired outcome, the categorical imperative commands unconditionally. (Sh aw, 67) Kant developed another idea which exemplifies that of the categorical imperative. The principle of universal acceptability states that as rational, moral beings, individuals are bound by logic and its demands. Because logic is consistent, individuals all live by the same moral law. in order to determine whether a rule is a moral law, we can thus ask if the rule commands would be acceptable to all rational beings acting rationally. (Shaw, 67) Kants view of universal acceptability appears to be intertwined with echoes of the golden rule. Another famous theory developed by Kant further explaining the categorical imperative is the idea of humanity as an end and never merely as a means. Individuals should never treat someone a special way in an effort to get gain. In other words, Kant developed the theory we hear in nursery school of, treat others as you would like to be treated. Logically, this theory states that rational beings recognize their worth and the worth of oth ers. As a rational thinker, one would not want to be used as a means to an end. Immanuel Kants formalism theory poses many compelling and interesting points of view. On the surface, the categorical imperative seems to be a great measuring deviceShow MoreRelated Kants Formalism Theory Essay715 Words   |  3 Pages Kants Formalism Theory nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The theories of Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, have had an impact on the formulation and shaping of ethics today. Immanuel Kant graced this earth from 1724 to 1804. During his eighty year life time, he formulated many interesting ideas regarding ethical conduct and motivation. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Kant is strictly a non-consequentialist philosopher, which means that he believes that a persons choices should have nothing to doRead MoreMorality via Kant and Hegel1712 Words   |  7 Pagesmoral intuitions rest solely on subjective, arbitrary grounds? With the lure of divine command theory fading from the Enlightenment and onwards, modern moral philosophy can be seen as an attempt to uncover either the criterion or its nonexistence. An endeavor in which few can be said to have been as influential as Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) and his most trenchant critic, G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831). Kant’s deontological attempt to unearth this criterion rests on one of the most metaphysical and abstractRead MoreBenefits Of Collecting Dna From Felons1332 Words   |  6 Pagesdecreased over the years. My reason for this belief is that it is beneficial. There are two ethical theories that support my personal opinion on states collecting DNA from felons. One theory that supports my opinion is utilitarianism and the other ethical theory is ethical formalism. 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Utilitarian Perspective Utilitarianism is a theory of normative ethics holding that the proper course of action is the one that maximize utility, specifically defined as maximizing happiness and minimizing pain. The application of the utilitarian perspectiveRead MoreThe Legal Ethics Of The Unlicensed Engineer Essay1349 Words   |  6 Pagesethics are not just about whether or not one puts money before safety. This paper will nevertheless delve on the ethical issues raised by the case. However, the author will strive to highlight all the ethical standards, in addition to, citing several theories to advance his case. Charles Landers was found guilty of using his partner Henry Wilson’s professional seal in addition to forging signatures on at least 40 documents. Formerly Landers worked for Constructing Engineers as an anchorage assemblymanRead More Why Couldnt Kant Be A Utilitarian? Essay3254 Words   |  14 Pages ABSTRACT: In his essay Could Kant Have Been a Utilitarian?, R. M. Hare tries to show that Kants moral theory contains utilitarian elements and it can be properly asked if Kant could have been a utilitarian, though in fact he was not. I take seriously Hares challenge to the standard view because I find his reading on the whole reasonable enough to lead to a consistent interpretation of Kants moral philosophy. Still, I hardly believe that it is necessarily concluded from Hares reading thatRead MoreJohn Stuart Mill And Immanuel Kant1786 Words   |  8 Pagesabout what makes a good person. They also different views and some of the same views when it came to lying. One thought it should never be done. The other thought it should be used as a last resort. First, we will talk about Immanuel Kant. Kant s theory was a deontological one. This meant that he believed that the moral worth of an action in the action itself rather than in the consequences of the action. Kant believed that the good action is one in accordance with our duty. 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