Kant Formulas of Universal Law and Humanity - 1575 Words

Karthik Keni William Reckner Philosophy 22 30 November 2010 Kant: Formulas of Universal Law and Humanity Kant’s philosophy was based around the theory that we have a moral unconditional obligation and duty that he calls the â€Å"Categorical Imperative.† He believes that an action must be done with a motive of this moral obligation, and if not done with this intention then the action would hold no moral value. Under this umbrella of the â€Å"Categorical Imperative† he presents three formulations that he believes to be about equal in importance, relevance, and could be tested towards any case. The first formulation known as the Formula of Universal Law consists of a methodical way to find out morality of actions. The second formulation is known as†¦show more content†¦It would be impossible to follow such a rule of not utilizing people as means towards an end, however this formulation is trying to emphasize that all rational beings must be treated never as a mere means but as the supreme limiting condition in the use of all means†¦as an end at the same time. Instead of seeing other rational beings as just tools towards a personal goal, we should see the benefit of others and â€Å"Humanity† as our end objective, rather than the means. Kant truly introduces the idea of respect in the formulation because it seems genuinely wrong to treat other rational humans as mere means with no other kind of value. One has to recognize, even with the significance of oneself having desires and treating oneself as the end, that what makes me unique as a logical and thinking being also resides in everyone else. Thus we determine that everyone else must also see themselves as ends and my means to my ends are no more significant than another rational being. In the case of the doctor’s moral dilemma, the Formula of Humanity would be the same answer because of various reasons. First, Kant is a firm believer in not being deceitful and thus the doctor should follow the moral action of telling the truth. The formulation also preaches that we should recognize that others are a basis of value by treating their chosen ends as good, and following their happiness as they see it. So in this case, the patient’sShow MoreRelatedThe Universal Law Of Nature877 Words   |  4 PagesThe Formula of the Universal Law (of Nature) is the first formulation of the categorical imperative in Kant’s â€Å"Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals,† in which he proposes to â€Å"act as if the maxim of your action were to become through your will a universal law of nature.† (Kant, 421) For example, telling the truth is considered a universal law. However, many skeptics argue that it is illogical because of human behavior, we as a society are put into dire situations in which lying is necessary toRead MoreKants Humanity Formula1647 Words   |  7 PagesKant: The Humanity Formula Few formulas in philosophy have been so widely accepted and variously interpreted as Kants injunction to treat humanity as an end in itself(Hill, 38). 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Thomson’s Trolley Problem, the philosophies of Kant and Mill must be fully analyzed and expressed to determine the most plausible perspective to be taken by both philosophers on the issueRead MoreEssay on The Golden Rule in Kant and Mills Ethical Theories1320 Words   |  6 Pagespurpose. The two most important philosophers that deal with ethics are Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Kant’s ethical theory is Kantianism or deontological ethics. Mill’s ethical theory is utilitarianism. Both philosophers’ theories have m any differences; Kant’s theory deals with conduct, seeking reason for good action in duty. Mill’s theory deals with consequences and maximizing human happiness. However both Kant and Mill’s ethics relate to the important biblical principal of the Golden Rule