Deontology And Kantianism Required Reading ✓ Solved

Deontology required Reading kantianism required Reading int

Required Reading: Kantianism Required Reading: Introduction to Deontology Required Reading: The Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals by Immanuel Kant. Watch this video introducing Kantian ethics.

Writing assignment: In 500 words or more, create a maxim and evaluate it via the three formulations of the Categorical Imperative. Your maxim should only involve moral questions. The moral question should be general enough to apply to first principles and should involve no circumstantial qualifiers. You may use examples, but you will still need to include a full scholarly definition of each, with commentary. You may use Wikipedia as a starting point, but be aware that Wikipedia is not a scholarly source and therefore can never be quoted in your paper. You will need to include in-text citations in your essay along with an APA formatted References page.

Paper For Above Instructions

Kantian ethics, a cornerstone of deontological ethical theory, emphasizes the importance of duty and moral law. Immanuel Kant’s philosophy centers around the notion of the Categorical Imperative, which consists of three formulations. In this paper, I will create a maxim and evaluate it using these formulations. The chosen maxim is: “One should always tell the truth.” This maxim embodies a fundamental moral question that applies universally, devoid of any situational qualifiers.

Defining the Categorical Imperative

The Categorical Imperative is a foundational concept in Kantian ethics, serving as a universal moral law that individuals must adhere to irrespective of personal desires or circumstances. Kant presents this imperative in three formulations: the formula of universality and the law of nature, the formula of humanity, and the formula of autonomy.

Evaluation of the Maxim

First Formulation: Universality

The first formulation requires that one’s actions be applicable as a universal law. If everyone were to adhere to the maxim of “always telling the truth,” we would live in a society founded on trust and transparency. However, this must be evaluated critically. There may be situations where telling the truth could lead to harm, such as revealing sensitive information that might cause distress. Therefore, while the maxim holds potential, it must be applied judiciously (Kant, 1785/2002).

Second Formulation: Humanity

The second formulation of the Categorical Imperative states that individuals should treat humanity, whether in oneself or others, always as an end and never merely as a means. By adhering to the maxim of always telling the truth, one respects the dignity of others by valuing their right to information. Nevertheless, this raises ethical dilemmas when the truth could cause unnecessary pain or distress. Kant himself acknowledges such complexities, suggesting that while we ought to tell the truth, we also have a moral obligation to protect the well-being of others (Kant, 1785/2002).

Third Formulation: Autonomy

The third formulation focuses on the importance of acting according to maxims that can be accepted as universal laws while also recognizing the autonomy of rational beings. By committing to the maxim “one should always tell the truth,” we affirm our capacity for reason and establish moral laws that guide our actions. However, it is critical to note that true autonomy includes the ability to navigate moral dilemmas without strict adherence to a rule if circumstances dictate a different course of action (Kant, 1785/2002).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the maxim “one should always tell the truth” offers a foundational ethical guideline. However, the application of this principle through the three formulations of the Categorical Imperative highlights significant nuances. Kantian ethics encourages a balance between adhering to moral duties and recognizing the complexities of real-world situations. Thus, while truthfulness is a virtue, ethical considerations may necessitate a thoughtful approach to its application.

References

• Kant, I. (2002). The Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals. Yale University Press.
• Wood, A. W. (2008). Kantian Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• O'Neill, O. (1989). Constructions of Reason: Explorations of Kant's Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Kant, I. (1997). Critique of Practical Reason. Cambridge University Press.
• Allison, H. E. (2004). Kant's Theory of Freedom. Cambridge University Press.
• Reath, A. (2006). Agency and Autonomy in Kant's Moral Theory. Cambridge University Press.
• Johnson, R. (2008). The Cambridge Companion to Kant and Modern Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Schneewind, J. B. (1998). The Invention of Autonomy. Cambridge University Press.
• Ripstein, A. (2009). Force and Freedom: Kant's Legal and Political Philosophy. Harvard University Press.
• Guyer, P. (2000). Kant and the Claims of Knowledge. Cambridge University Press.