Saturday, February 2, 2013


As we learned thus far in the course there are many conceptions of human nature. Kantian Ethics was based off of Kant’s beliefs and what he calls his Supreme Principle of Morality. Kant believed that what defines us, as people are our rationality and autonomy. According to Kant each of our actions reflect one or more maxims. Kant states that, “duties of justice are the most important of our duties.”  What matters most with Kant is the intention of an action, your motive behind what you are doing. It isn’t just about doing what is right but for the right reason.  On the other hand Utilitarianism is the belief in which a person is defined by their ability to express pain and pleasure. With this conception one generally wants to maximize the pleasure and minimize the pain. It is often thought of as the Greatest Happiness Principle meaning whichever situation leads to the greatest happiness wins. Here the consequences determine if a situation is ethical.

            The more plausible of the two theories to me is Kantian Ethics. I feel that this is so because if everyone has good intentions and wants what is right then life would be easier.  If people treated others in a way in which they wanted to be treated then it would eliminate bad in a sense. Kantian Ethics forms a respect for people by allowing the human life to have value; this is why no one rational or autonomous should be treated badly for the means of another human’s happiness. Kantian Ethics believes in the duty of promoting the happiness of others. If everyone helped each other then life would run smoothly.
           
Barbara
1.     All thoughts promoting others are ethical
2.     All Good intentions are thoughts promoting others
Therefore all good intentions 

1 comment:

  1. I don't believe Kant argued, what's right is what's always mean it's what's best hence making life easier. Also, some people wish to be mistreated. Some find pleasure on this mistreatment. BDSM and so, these particular group of people could treat others haw they want to be treated and cause physical and psychological damage to others. Making life not go "smooth". Opening paragraph was great! Argument needs a few adjustments.

    Also, Barbara's claim wasn't finished.

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