Kantian Perspective Kant

Kantian Perspective
Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher lived from 1724 to 1804 and during his lifetime created many theories on ethical conduct and human motivation. Unlike consequentialism which believes the morality of actions depend on the best actual or expected results, Kant believes the morality of our actions has nothing to do with the results but has everything to do with our intentions. For Kant, “it has everything to do with our intentions and reasons for action, those that are embedded within the principles we live by” (Shafer-Landau). According to Kant, moral judgment comes from a person’s own reasoning. When we act, whether or not we achieve what we intend with our actions is sometimes beyond our control and the morality
In the first example when you borrow money from a family member only promising to reimburse them as soon as your finances improves. If everyone who borrowed money told the truth and reimbursed the lender, your relationship with family or friends would be built on trust and honesty for telling the truth. If you lied by saying you would reimburse them with never having the intention of paying them back would be immoral behavior according to Kant. The second example is nurse facing a distraught family who just lost a child in horrific car crash caused by a drunk driver. If the nurses’ maxim is to always be compassionate when answering difficult questions, leaving the gruesome details out of the conversation would help minimize the pain by bringing comfort to the family during this difficult time. What would happen if the gruesome details were shared instead? Some family members might experience cardiac arrest or faint from the stressful experience and incur additional injuries in the hospital. The hospital would be liable for the injuries or even worse, another death in the family caused by the graphic details of the accident. According to Kant, it would be immoral to cause additional pain or harm to a person who is already grieving due to a senseless and horrific accident caused by a drunk
According to Kant, categorical imperative is the basis of morality which is determined by a persons’ intent rather than their action. It is motivated by pure reasoning and must apply to everyone regardless of preference. For this reason, Kant introduced the principle of universalizability. It is a three part test using questions to determine if our actions are being universally consistent, fair or selfish. Kant also believes the only good without qualification is good will and only the action performed for the sake of duty are moral. Kant was committed to treating everyone with value, dignity and respect. Even today, Kant’s theories still have a direct impact on how morality is