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Mendoza, Ryan Justine H. ECE 12S2 Assignment 4A: Kantian Ethics

1. Describe the ways in which Kant’s system is similar to and different from utilitarianism. - Kant’s system and utilitarianism have similarities and differences in various ways. Utilitarianism is about doing actions which would benefit a great number of people. It is said that an action is right if a lot of people would benefit from that specific action. This statement is somehow similar to what Kant stated – "Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only”. Treating people positively is undeniably a right action to do. It would also benefit them as well as yourself for doing a morally right decision. In terms of its differences, Immanuel Kant stated that “human beings a special place in creation” and we should treat other people well. However, in utilitarianism, they said that mercy killing is a right thing to do to end the suffering and unhappiness of a person. The difference is apparent since utilitarianism sometimes promotes actions that are immoral for the idea of Kant. And in Kant’s system he always believe that human beings have an intrinsic worth which makes them valuable. 2. By citing example /situation, distinguish between Categorical and Hypothetical Imperatives - Categorical and Hypothetical Imperatives have different views based on what Immanuel Kant had observed and stated. Hypothetical Imperatives is about having a desire and one have to do actions upon it. The word “ought” comes in with this concept, like if you want to aim for something, you ought to do such. On the other hand, Categorical Imperative focuses more on behaving and doing something regardless of the goal. We have a reason to do something and that’s what Categorical Imperative points out. For example, going to college and aiming to obtain achievements for studying hard is more of Hypothetical Imperatives. In this situation, you have a desire that’s why you ought to work for it. However, in terms of Categorical Imperative, you study hard because that’s the morally right thing to do and you are liberated to do such. Without having a desire, you have a reason to do something for the betterment of yourself and the people around you. Categorical Imperative mostly disregards us from our goal and rather focus on the actions that we are ought to do. 3. Discuss: Never regard a person as a means, but always as an end. - This statement is about our way of treating other people around us. As what Immanuel stated, "Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only”. Our life is the greatest gift from our creator. It also encompasses the worth and dignity that we have as an individual. We should always give importance to our fellow men by treating each other well regardless of our religion, nationality, and culture. All of us have a value that are worth meaningful and shouldn’t be underestimated by anyone. The way we love ourselves should be the same as the way we treat other people. We must not forget about the value of each of us. We are liberated to do whatever we want but we must

Mendoza, Ryan Justine H. ECE 12S2 Assignment 4A: Kantian Ethics

regard of our consequences. And we all have the free will to act but we must keep our actions morally right. 4. Do you agree with Kant's stand on lying? Why/not? Explain your answer In my own opinion, I somehow agree on what he stated that the results of lying might be bad. We all know that lying is an immoral action and isn’t the right decision to do in most cases that we encounter. It will probably result to a domino effect that could harm ourselves as well as the people involved in a certain situation. It is also true that we aren’t certain about the consequences or if something good will follow if we lie. However, sometimes lying is the best option to do in some cases like when a person is about to end a life of another person if he/she will know the truth. In this case, lying would save a life which probably most people would lie in this situation. For me, there is a wide concept about lying, sometimes it would be immoral and sometimes it will be the good thing to do. There are exceptions and we can’t deny that we base our actions on the consequences and effects. We will always encounter a situation where lying will be the best and right thing to do, just like when we are about to save a life of a person....