Milestone 2: A Letter To The Editor – Kantian Ethics ✓ Solved

Milestone 2: A Letter to the Editor – Kantian Ethics

For this milestone, you will respond to a contemporary moral debate using what you have learned about Kantian ethical principles. First, you will read and reflect on an article you have found in the news, and you will brainstorm how Kant’s categorical imperative could be applied to the situation described in the article. You will then write a letter to the editor that responds to the article, stating how you either approve or disapprove of it and why.

1. Summarize what you have learned about the core theories and practices of Kantian moral philosophy. I’m looking for specific points that show you have an understanding of Kant’s basic approach and key terms (moral law, duty, categorical imperative, universality, moral autonomy, etc.).

2. Summarize the news article you chose and explain (specifically) why you support or do not support it. Justify your response by applying what you have learned about Kant to your reading of the article. Use the chart you created to explain how your interpretation of Kant leads you to agree or to disagree with what you read. Did your mind change over the course of class? Why or why not?

3. Describe what lessons you will take away from thinking about this article in terms of Kant. Be specific about how your future decisions and/or political views will (or will not) be informed by these sorts of ethical considerations and why.

Paper For Above Instructions

Subject: Response to “The Importance of Vaccination in Public Health”

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you concerning the recent article titled “The Importance of Vaccination in Public Health.” The topic of vaccination has sparked considerable moral debate, particularly concerning individual rights versus societal responsibilities. Utilizing Kantian ethical principles provides useful insights into this discussion.

Kant's moral philosophy, centered on the categorical imperative, emphasizes duty, moral law, and universality. According to this principle, one should act only according to that maxim whereby they can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. In essence, Kantian ethics demands that our actions be guided by how we would want others to act in similar circumstances.

The article in question argues for compulsory vaccinations to safeguard public health, a stance I agree with based on Kantian principles. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to the greater good of society by promoting herd immunity. When we choose to vaccinate, we fulfill our duty to protect not only ourselves but also our community, particularly those who cannot be vaccinated for valid medical reasons.

Reflecting on Kant’s notion of moral autonomy, it acknowledges each individual's right to make informed choices. However, this autonomy is intricately linked to the moral law, which enforces a duty to act in a manner that is beneficial for society. The article’s approach to vaccination aligns with this ethical framework, prioritizing collective health over individual reluctance.

When considering my support of the article, I find it necessary to highlight specific instances where failure to vaccinate has led to outbreaks of preventable diseases. Recent events in which measles re-emerged due to declining vaccination rates serve as a crucial reminder of our moral obligations. According to a CDC report, the 2019 measles outbreak resulted from clusters of unvaccinated individuals, showcasing the consequences of ignoring our ethical duties (CDC, 2019).

Throughout this class, my understanding of Kantian ethics has evolved significantly. Initially, I viewed vaccination primarily as an individual choice, but through engagement with Kantian theory, I have come to appreciate the implications of our actions on broader societal health outcomes. The ethical landscape surrounding vaccination is not merely about personal rights; it encompasses our responsibilities toward others and the moral laws we ought to uphold.

A vital lesson I take away from this analysis is the importance of acknowledging our interconnectedness within society. As I reflect on my political views and decisions in the future, I will prioritize ethical considerations shaped by Kantian thought. The necessity of considering how our actions align with universal moral laws will inform my stances on public health issues, ensuring that my advocacy reflects not only personal beliefs but also a commitment to collective welfare.

In conclusion, Kantian ethics compellingly supports the article's message about the importance of vaccination for public health. It anchors the debate within a framework of duty and universality, emphasizing our moral responsibility to others. As members of a society, our decisions must be guided by the principles that uphold the health and wellbeing of all individuals.

Thank you for considering this perspective.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Measles Cases and Outbreaks. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Gert, B., Davis, J. M., & Culver, C. (2006). Morality: Its Nature and Justification. Oxford University Press.
• Wood, A. (1999). Kant’s Ethical Thought. Cambridge University Press.
• Guyer, P. (2006). Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals: A Commentary. Cambridge University Press.
• Darwall, S. (2003). Two Stories about the Categorical Imperative. Journal of Philosophical Research.
• Vaughn, L. (2016). Moral Theory: A Reader. Oxford University Press.
• Rosen, M. (2011). Kant's Theory of Justice. Cambridge University Press.
• Schneewind, J. B. (1998). The Invention of Autonomy: A History of Modern Moral Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Herman, B. (1993). The Practice of Moral Judgment. Harvard University Press.