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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper provides an overview of Kantian ethics. The categorical imperative and other concepts are discussed. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA718K.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Within his writings, one will find that Kant talks about duties which he equates with morality as well as moral freedom such as when one acts from the place of
autonomy. In other words, Kant sees people as being ethically bound, but when they act, they act as alone. They act in accordance with their own ethical base. The practical
will for Kant, which is the same thing as practical reason, are found with a rational nature as opposed to action or sensory information (Honderich, 1995). It is the ability
to utilize practical reason which will create something called autonomy of the will (Honderich, 1995). For Kant, willing is always an autonomous act (Honderich, 1995). According to his ideas, unlike
a consequentialist, lying would always be wrong, but Kantian ethics takes things a step further. In the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant (1785) contends that individuals should cultivate compassionate feelings within
themselves. This idea of compassion, or good will, is key to his overall moral philosophy. This is similar to the greatest happiness principle as presented in the scope of utilitarianism.
Doing the right thing, and taking that ends justifies the means approach seems to be true for Kant in some way. Yet again, there is a contradiction. Good will should
be implemented, but at the same time, there is a sense that relying on such ideas, or seeing an ends justifies the means approach, is more reliant on situational ethics.
This is distinct from the categorical imperative which will be discussed later. It should also be noted that while Kant often spoke of good will, he also noted that evil
is something that comes from the will (Atwell, 1986). One can also imagine that things like holy will and determined will would be a part of the process in comprehending
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