This paper addresses differences between two versions of the famous categorical imperative in Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals. These formulations deal with the universal/objective and individual/subjective views of moral and ethical action
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 62.95
Abstract This paper addresses differences between two versions of the famous categorical imperative in Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals. These formulations deal with the universal/objective and individual/subjective views of moral and ethical actions. There is some discrepancy between what ethical 'results' each formulation delivers, which is discussed in the paper.
Abstract This paper examines Henry Allison's critique of Kant's theory of rational judgement and then highlights and explains the difficulties Allison has with Kant's theory. Specifically, this paper explains Allison's view that, in contrast with Kant, one cannot have a "disinterested liking" toward the object being judged.
From the Paper "The aesthetics of taste and the merits of rational judgement are often posited as binary opposites. Yet rationalism did not lead Kant to exclude taste from his system of philosophy. Instead, taste figures prominently in Kant's analytic, notes scholar Henry Allison in his text on Kant's Theory of Taste. (2) The theory of disinterested taste advanced in Kant's Analytic of the Beautiful is explicitly in dialogue with his German philosophic contemporaries. It attempts to define a pure judgment of taste, which Kant believes must be devoid of all interest. ?Everyone has to admit that if a judgement about beauty is mingled with the least interest than it is very partial and not a pure judgement of taste.?
Abstract The paper first explains Kant's theory of universal law, and defines key concepts and terms. The paper then goes on to argue that Kant ignores conflicting duties and external factors in morality. This argument is supported by hypothetical examples and quotes from philosopher Thomas Nagel's book, "The Last Word".
From the Paper "Human beings guide their actions by instincts and selfish desires. How could it be possible to act differently? The philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote The Foundation of the Metaphysics of Morals as a set of axioms [principles or postulates] that can be used in constructing moral laws based on the use of reason. Kant in his ethics takes his point of departure from the concept of good will: "nothing in the world can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualifications except a good will." (Kant, 1959, p.9)"
Abstract This paper analyzes Immanuel Kant's ideas of philosophical Millenarianism. It explores how they are similar to Christian Millenarianism and Christian perfectionism. The paper discusses Kant's ideas and concepts and his belief that there is a plan to the universe.
From the Paper "The concept of Christian Millenarianism is a future-oriented philosophy that posits the notion of the future or second coming of Jesus Christ .Within this notion the second coming of Christ is to occur within a specific number of millennia after his death. Such a perspective encompasses an apocalyptic fatalism with the close of a millennium although in the year and no such coming occurred. As one theology scholar maintains this vision has an affinity for worldly activism as believers are religiously obligated to strive for the righteous ..."
Abstract The paper discusses how the primary objectification of ideas through freedom is virtually impossible, since it happens outside of the mind's ability to empirically define the reality of their existence. In this manner, the scientific universe of discourse must invariably mean to limit the freedom of the human mind to grasp objects that are created through some sort of universal pattern in Nature. The paper explains how this virtually limits mankind to a certain sphere of influence on how natural phenomena appear in Nature and how one can understand the complexity of these mysteries.
From the Paper "This philosophical analysis will seek to understand the premise of universal causality, which lies anterior to the premise of the human will or scientific discourse. Emmanuel Kant also saw universal causality as the premise for realizing that freedom was the basis of an idea, which could be manipulated due to the set laws of Nature. In this manner, the existing "object" mentioned in both of these quotes suggests that the human will is incapable of accessing the universal freedom, since it is an idea that cannot possibly be fully realized by human mind."
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts the theory of subjectivity in Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Judgment" and Wolfgang Iser's "Interaction Between Text and Reader." The paper discusses the cultural context in which each theory surfaced and how Kant's and Iser's concepts and theories can be made operational.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to compare and contrast the role of the subject and subjectivity for aesthetic reception and or production in Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Judgment" and in Wolfgang Iser's "Interaction Between Text and Reader." The research will set forth the cultural context in which each theory surfaces and the manner in which each commentator defines relevant terms and then discuss how their concepts and theories can be made operational in selected texts and thereby contribute to understanding and clarification of them."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Immanuel Kant's and David Hume's views on how we interpret knowledge of cause and effect. The paper explains that Kant's theory, known as transcendental idealism, allows for a more confident approach to how we examine the world because, while Hume argues that we cannot be certain of the world in any sense, Kant says we can at least be certain of the form our minds give to the world. The paper contends that Kant's epistemology of transcendental idealism shows how Kant made a more compelling and, at least, more hopeful argument that immediately challenged Humean skepticism.
From the Paper Hume holds that human ideas outside the realm of mathematics, "matters of fact", are nothing but copies and reflections of "impressions" from experience; impressions are merely lively perceptions of experiences - visual, auditory, smell - that act directly as the source of our less lively ideas. In this finding, Hume issued a blanket denial of the certainty of traditional metaphysical subjects, such as God, a soul or a self, because they were based on the supposition that nature is uniform, that the future will simulate the past. He dismisses moral philosophical systems and hypotheses as having perverted natural understanding. He thinks that these theories of "monkish virtues" and "reasonings on this subject can only be drawn from effects to causes; and that every argument, deducted from causes to effects must of necessity be a gross sophism; since it is impossible for you to know anything of the cause, but what you have antecedently, not inferred, but discovered to the full, in the effect."
Abstract Immanuel Kant had a supreme interest in making major political changes for the better of society. Kant's beliefs were what was considered morally right today should not be affected by the unethical behavior or judgments of yesterday. This paper discusses Kant's theory on pure and practical reasoning, how the individual applying this notion affects the entire human race, and can produce the end result of freedom and happiness.
From the Paper "For example, the con artist will convince many elderly people that they will make a major contribution to saving the world by allowing him to use their checking account to deposit and take large sums of money. They claim they cannot use any more accounts in their name for insurance reasons. The elderly, wanting to do a good deed, gives the person access to his or her bank account. The con artist cleans out the elderly persons bank account, which had their life savings in it, and skips town. Only later, is it discovered that he uses fake identities. Kant's moral law says that we must not consider any previous experiences when making a decision to do what is moral. Lying and deceiving someone is definitely not ethical. Would it be unethical to use an elderly person who was aware of what was going on to catch the con artist, without the thief knowing this was a setup? If the decision to carry out the setup excludes all previous actions, then Kant's moral law suggest that lying and deceitfulness is unethical, although this procedure may prevent many other elderly people from becoming victims. "
Abstract This paper examines the philosophical outlooks of Immanuel Kant and David Hume, with the author concluding that Kant's perspective is preferable. Kant's opinion on how one gains knowledge is contrasted with Hume's. Both perspectives on the contribution of experience to knowledge and the role of the "self" and a personal "world" are also considered.
Outline:
Introduction
Exposition
Conclusion
From the Paper "In his principal book entitled, "The Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals," Kant explains why only the categorical imperative is the valid standard of moral obligation (Abbott 2006, Richards 2006, McCormick 2006). He limits his discussion to specific willful actions in moral situations or conditions, where the will is, or should be, influenced only by reason or rational considerations, rather than by subjective or emotional considerations, such as laziness, convenience, or advantage . He writes that morality involves what actions are necessary and that concept comes only from reason or rational considerations. These rational considerations must, in turn, be a "single principle of obligation (Richards)." It must also be stated as a command and has no reference to, or weighed against, the consequences of the action. Kant then says that only the categorical imperative fulfills all these conditions (Richards, Abbott, McCormick)."
Abstract In this article, the writer provides an examination of Kant's moral philosophy. The writer studies Kant's philosophy illustrated in his work "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals". In this study, the writer includes both strengths and weaknesses.
From the Paper "In order to understand the strengths of Immanuel Kant's views on morality and morals we must recognize that he argues for a realm of moral law that transcends both the realm of science and sensory experience. In "The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals", Kant posits human reason with the ability to conceive of a world that is beyond that capable of being experienced by the sense or sensible experience. By using reason to rise above experience or sensory data, human beings are able in Kant's ... "
Abstract In this essay, the writer shows that there is no way to twist the Kantian doctrine of the categorical imperative (CI) to justify the various invasions of Iraq that have been led by the United States since the early 1990s. The writer first explains Kant's categorical imperative and discusses its application to international affairs. The writer then asserts that there is simply no way to hold that the CI applies to the US government in the Iraqi case. Various points to support this argument are examined and the writer then concludes that Kant could in no manner have approved of the various invasions of Iraq based on the principles inherent in the categorical imperative.
From the Paper " To use a more local example: Consider the government of New York City. Consider that it has several street gangs on its payroll, doing some of its dirty work in the slums. It favors one, a particularly violent gang called the Tels, that it finances and arms to the teeth, including advances, high tech weapons. Another street gang, called the Bags, was also at one time on NYC's payroll, but recently went afoul of the government by hitting several smaller gangs in the region. The city government could not use the CI to justify eliminating the Bags, partially because in supporting gangs in general, there is no altruistic motives, but purely political and personal ones (i.e the gangs can do what the city cannot against its enemies), but also partially in that it has been supporting the Tels, that regularly pick on its neighbors in a harsh manner, all with the open approval of the NYC mayor's office."
Abstract A Kantian rule of ethics, one which follows universal law and the categorical imperative as seen in his work on the Metaphysics of Morals, is used in this paper to discuss the common problem of homelessness that plagues our society. Kantians would say that altruistic caring is our duty to the homeless based on the objective and end-before-means ethical principles laid down by his categorical imperative.
From the Paper "During his serious and sequestered life in Konigsberg, the 18th century German philosopher and ethicist, Immanuel Kant, laid down some very stringent and thought out moral principles. One of these, the categorical imperative, is defined in his groundbreaking work, Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. This principle is still taught and used by ethicists over two centuries later, and is a prime example of a strict ethical rule upon which Kant believed individuals in society should base their actions. The categorical imperative, in Kant's words is "namely, this: Act only on that maxim whereby thou canst at the same time will that it should become a universal law" (Kant 38). What Kant is arguing is that what is ethical cannot be subjective, cannot consider a means above an end, but must be selfless and objective."
Abstract This paper discusses the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Rights focuses on the rights of human beings in all countries regardless of their political of societal concerns. According to the paper, the fundamental principle that seems to be evident in the document is that all people in every country are entitled to be respected as human beings. The rights that are given to people through this document are rights that are basic but that have historically been ignored throughout history. The paper further discusses the history of this document, stating that it is a direct result of the holocaust. National leaders banded together to create the document as an assurance that such a horrific event would not occur again in history. The 1948 document of the United Nations, therefore, is a reminder that human beings should always be treated with dignity in every respect.
Abstract By claiming that space is empirically real and transcendentally ideal, Kant rejects both the Newtonian and Leibnizian metaphysical views, though, to be sure, he also finds a median between them. In the preface to the "Critique of Pure Reason," Kant asks, "How are synthetic judgments a priori possible?" To show that they are, he cites pure mathematics and pure natural science as 'progressive' exemplars. Kant plans to show that these judgments are possible, in part, because of the pure forms of intuition, namely, space and time. In this paper, the writer gives a detailed examination and critique of his main arguments to this effect, principally with reference to H. Allison's excellent commentary, "Kant's Transcendental Idealism."
From the Paper "His position was that such a form must necessarily and logically proceed the actual intuition of an object, and thus, must be given by the mind (logically) prior to any possible experience of an object as distinct from the self. This is the sense in which it is necessary and universal - that is, a priori - as it is an 'epistemic condition' of all human knowledge derived from outer sense. So far I have only asserted Kant's claims, I shall now turn to the arguments he puts forth to establish the apriority and pure intuitive nature of space."
Abstract The paper discusses the California State University, where the stress and focus is towards multi-cultural diversity and learning, in contrast to the approach of the more traditional higher education centers in the US. The paper discusses the university's focus on the post-studies phase of a student's life, known as the outcome-based approach, where students are prepared for the rigors of professional life. The paper states that this makes them go through a comprehensive curriculum as well as community work, do internships, service learning and action research. The culmination of their learning comes in the form of completion of a Capstone project and the various major programs.
Outline:
Policy Outline for CSUMB
Benefits for Students with Disabilities
Sexual Harassment Policy at CSUMB
Violence Prevention Policy at CSUMB
From the Paper "Aggression is defined as "to commit the first act of hostility or offence". It is recognized that such behavior is observed in students when they perceive certain situations to be beyond their control and ability. Thus these emotions are misdirected and are centered towards the person who happens to be closest at hand. Thus the student aims to assert himself by demonstrating power and abusive behavior, and thus he unleashes his pent-up emotions."
