The two ideas in ethics that we currently have discussed are Kant ethics and Utilitarianism. These two ideas our different by the way they define us as people. Kant defines us as persons through our rationality and autonomy. Utilitarianism defines us as persons with desire to avoid pain and seek pleasure. It even goes as far as saying that we should do our best to increase the pleasure of everybody else around. I feel that the idea of Utilitarianism is a better moral code to live by because it is something that we as humans do so well. Utilitarianism also uses reasoning to decide what is morally acceptable and what is not. Kant has the view of perfection and that we should all strive for it but I feel that is an impossible goal because to be perfect in a sense would make you not human. As human we look for any way we can to achieve pleasure for ourself in whatever form we can. Sometimes however we get so caught up I the act of pleasure we do not bother to think about if it is moral or not. But in some instances there are times that give us pleasure and are morally okay. The same thing goes for our outlook on pain. We will do whatever we to avoid any pain.
Barbra Argument
All things that increase pleasure of people around you are morally good.
All acts of kindness increase the pleasure of people around you.
All acts of kindness are morally good.
I think you did a very good job defining and describing Both Kantian ethics and utilitarianism. You picked a side and did a good job of providing supporting information. Your Barbra argument was also good. All in all a good post however in the future you might want to re-read your posting before you send it. You said “these two ideas our different” but I know you meant these two ideas are different. Spell check will not catch this kind of mistake.
ReplyDeleteAs a whole your response provides all the information needed to fully describe and define what Kantian ethics is and what Utilitarianism. You also did a great job in defending your position for what you thought was more plausible. The only thing I would change is that I would try and add your Barbra Argument in the actual response rather then at the end of the response. Other then that I think it was all around good.
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