Immanuel Kant's Duty-Based Ethics

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Immanuel Kant (1727-1804) “ provided the theoretical groundwork for modern ethics. It was his ambition to lay down the moral law, a rule of conduct that would be universally and necessarily valid” (Borgmann, 2016, p. 35). Kantianism is based on not speculating but providing critique to our surroundings and interactions through practicality. Referred to as a deontological ethical approach or “duty-based” ethics, this ethical perspective focuses on what people do, not with the consequences of their actions (BBC, 2014). Borgmann (2006) defines Kant’s three moral norms as equality, dignity, and liberty. Kant describes these ethical norms as commands. These commands define the core elements needed in order to make ethical decisions based upon “The norm of equality he spelled out as the celebrated categorical, that is, unconditional, imperative” (Borgmann, 2006, p. 35). Moral reasoning was practical, not theoretical. Dignity, humanity, value of ones self and others, Kant described as imperative moral traits. Kant considered the world of the senses unreliable. His foundation of morality is not a sense or feeling but a principle of practical reason “which, …show more content…

5) Borgmann’s ethical theory reflects his central concern with Churchill's principle. Churchill’s principles are an example of the opposite perspective of Kant. The “Churchill Principle” illustrates the opposing aspects of Kantianism truth of human beings (human nature) having moral obligations that should be considered before making immoral decisions. Churchill touches on the topic of how family values and morals are usually the bases of ones foundation, but environment can affect those values and morals unconstructively. “Neither science nor philosophy is needed to know what one has to do in order to be honest and good, and indeed wise and virtuous.” Immanuel Kant, (Borgmann, 2006, p.

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