Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Philosophy Discussion Question - Wridemy

Philosophy Discussion Question

First, consider Kant's interpretation of what he believes to be the ultimate and universal moral law, which is actually a moral command: The Categorical Imperative. This is his attempt to provide a rational foundation for moral knowledge and an answer to those who believe in ethical relativism. He provides several versions of this law, one being: Act only in accordance with that (subjective) maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law. Another formulation is that one should never treat others as means to an end, but always as ends in themselves (this relates to Kant's conception of an ideal moral community he calls the "Kingdom of Ends"). 

Our textbook author, Robert Paul Wolff, claims that Kant "liked to say that his Categorical Imperative was nothing more than a philosophically more precise statement of the old Golden Rule: Do unto others as your would have others do unto you….Kant thought [the Categorical Imperative] contained the same basic notion" (pp. 154-155, About Philosophy). However, there is reason to deny what Wolff says here. Here is what Kant actually says in a footnote in hisGroundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals: "Don’t think that the banal ‘Don’t do to anyone else what you wouldn’t want done to you’ could serve here as a guide or principle. It is only a consequence of the real principle, and a restricted and limited consequence at that. It can’t as it stands be a universal law, because it doesn’t provide a basis for duties to oneself, or benevolent duties to others (for many a man would gladly consent to not receiving benefits from others if that would let him off from showing benevolence to them!), or duties to mete out just punishments to others (for the criminal would argue on this ground against the judge who sentences him). And so on." So it seems that Kant did NOT think that the Categorical Imperative was simply another version of the Golden Rule. 

Explain why Kant rejects the idea that not doing to anyone else what you don't want done to you falls far short of being a universal moral guide or principle. Why, according to Kant, should a rational moral agent prefer the Categorical Imperative to the Golden Rule? 

  

Word Count is 400

Include atleas one reference

 

 
                                                                                   Kant's Kingdom of Ends

  

Our website has a team of professional writers who can help you write any of your homework. They will write your papers from scratch. We also have a team of editors just to make sure all papers are of HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE. To make an Order you only need to click Ask A Question and we will direct you to our Order Page at WriteDemy. Then fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.

Fill in all the assignment paper details that are required in the order form with the standard information being the page count, deadline, academic level and type of paper. It is advisable to have this information at hand so that you can quickly fill in the necessary information needed in the form for the essay writer to be immediately assigned to your writing project. Make payment for the custom essay order to enable us to assign a suitable writer to your order. Payments are made through Paypal on a secured billing page. Finally, sit back and relax.

Do you need an answer to this or any other questions?

About Wridemy

We are a professional paper writing website. If you have searched a question and bumped into our website just know you are in the right place to get help in your coursework. We offer HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE Papers.

How It Works

To make an Order you only need to click on “Place Order” and we will direct you to our Order Page. Fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.

Are there Discounts?

All new clients are eligible for 20% off in their first Order. Our payment method is safe and secure.

Hire a tutor today CLICK HERE to make your first order