Kantian Ethics Essay

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In a similar fashion it is possible to justify the requirement for competence with Kantian ethics as well. Kantian ethics might consider this a categorical imperative, to only act upon that which you are competent when it affects the public. It follows then that this can be considered a maxim that one would “will” upon everyone. Few people, if any, would will for anyone to act incompetently with regard to others. Anyone who has or has accompanied someone with road rage is well aware that many do wish more competence be required for even mundane tasks. To continue with this example, even those with road rage do not make exceptions for themselves in terms of requiring competence; they may simply be biased in estimating where exactly their skill level is. Further, one could justify a requirement for competence with virtue based ethical theories. Consider the idea that one could regard competence in their craft as a virtuous trait. One consequence of this is that if one desires their function in society …show more content…

Ordinarily the law does enforce this necessity in a few different ways. In Texas, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers wields legal authority to regulate the practice of engineering within the state, and even holds the authority “to adopt and enforce any rule or bylaw necessary to perform its duties”. Consequentially, one cannot practice engineering in any state without some form of licensing or working for or with a licensed individual with only a few exceptions. One such exception is work that requires engineering skills and abilities but will never see public use, which is understandable as private works that only affect private individuals need not be subject to public safety requirements as the purpose of the laws in place is to protect the

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