Kant's Ethical Theory

ETHICAL SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, which is the continuation of Ethical Schools of Thought part 1, we will explore the ethical principles of Immanuel Kant, W.D. Ross, John Rawls, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Kant- categorical imperative of treating others always as ends and never only as means. Ross- his ethics has been regarded significant in ethical inquiries for its emphasis on the twofold principle by which to resolve conflicting duties. Rawls- for its unconditional stress on social justice. St. Thomas- moral teachings have been identified with what is known as natural law ethics, whose principles of double effect, totality, the inviolability of life, stewardship, sexuality, and procreation are very relevant in the

great renown, laid the foundations for his ethics in his short but influential Groundwork of Metaphysics of Morals, translated into english by L.W. Beck as Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals.

Saturday night, malling together with other students and always there to pass a load without asking any in return” “I would rather give good grades to those students who are really good in my class than to those who are always absent without any valid reason because it is my obligation to give credits to those

Act done in accord with duty and Act done from a sense of duty

duty: “The body temperature of my patient at 7 pm is 37.8,anyway, our off is at 10, so I’ve got 3 more hours to wait. If my patient’s temperature would still be 38.8, that’s the time I will tell it to my clinical

Not Moral

Act done from a sense of duty: “I must tell to my clinical instructor if my patient’s temperature is high because as a nurse I must be honest”

M oral

How can one know one’s duty in a given situation, so that one may act accordingly? Is there a test for determining what one’s duty will be under a particular circumstances?

To be able to determine whether or not one acts from a sense of duty in a particular situation, one must judge his action in the light

The phone rings… Juan: hello… Pedro: Hey Juan, it’s me Pedro., we’re going to a party tonight. Wanna come? Juan: Huh? I think I’m gonna pass because I still have an exam tomorrow. Pedro: Don’t worry, we will be back at exactly 11 o’clock. I promise. Juan: I still need to think about it. Pedro: Okay, just give me a call if you wanna

Categorical imperative - lays down a universal rule which if followed, will ensure that the person is acting from a sense of duty.

>If you wish to become sexy… >If you wish to have high grades… >If you have fever and you want to get

Hypothetical imperative - directive to the effect that if you wish to achieve such and such an end, you must act in such and such a manner.

Formulations of Categorical Imperative

>always act so as to treat humanity, either yourself or others, as ends and never only as means. >act only on that maxim which you can at the same time will to become a universal law.

Confucius’s Chung: “Do unto others what you wish yourself” Filipinos: “Gawin mo sa iyong kapwa ang nais mong gawin nila sa iyo”

For Kant: >every individual must be counted as being of equal value. >every human being has an inherent value and dignity which is not determined by one’s profession , upbringing, or financial capabilities.

Acts whereby others are used as means: >seduction >abduction >exploitation >oppression >kidnapping

the victim is treated simply as means for the sexual satisfaction. Prostitution- offering your body for a hire for purposes of sexual intercourse, solely for financial gain or for unworthy purposes, thus disposing oneself to be used