Kant's Deontological Theory Of Morality Essay
Morality is described as a conduct created by social groups such as religion or even those created on an individual level to affect one’s behaviour (Gert). This impacts every aspect of our lives. It is important to note that morality was not created by man but by a long term behavioural routine of people which led to the beginning of moral duty which influences the actions of people for the purpose of goodness alone, based on the standard of morality being practised (Shipunova). The standard and understanding of goodness varies from culture to culture and all of these changed with the changing times.
Moral duties is also related to moral responsibility, the mentality of “do what others require of you and what nobody else but you can do”, …show more content…
Kant’s deontological moral theory states that actions that are morally right from the motive must derive from duty rather than desires (Kemerling). The ultimate principle of morality must be a moral law that guides us in the right direction in any circumstances (Kemerling). According to Kant, although everything naturally occurs in accordance to law, the element of subjectiveness in humans may contradict the natural law, this results in obligation which results in an imperative reaction (Kemerling). There are two types of imperatives. Firstly, is hypothetical imperative which demands a particular action to be taken in order to achieve a particular result, where we are sure of the result when it comes to ethical decisions(Kemerling). Second is a categorical imperative which demands an action for its sake alone, which results in many unfamiliar problems (Kemerling). Kant introduced an alternative formulae for the categorical imperative which is the “formula of the end in itself” and the “formula of autonomy” (Kemerling). The formula of the end in itself simply meant that humanity is always treated as an end and not as a mean(Kemerling). The formula of autonomy, on the other hand, means the decision to act according to a maxim is actually regarded as an universal law
Moral duties is also related to moral responsibility, the mentality of “do what others require of you and what nobody else but you can do”, …show more content…
Kant’s deontological moral theory states that actions that are morally right from the motive must derive from duty rather than desires (Kemerling). The ultimate principle of morality must be a moral law that guides us in the right direction in any circumstances (Kemerling). According to Kant, although everything naturally occurs in accordance to law, the element of subjectiveness in humans may contradict the natural law, this results in obligation which results in an imperative reaction (Kemerling). There are two types of imperatives. Firstly, is hypothetical imperative which demands a particular action to be taken in order to achieve a particular result, where we are sure of the result when it comes to ethical decisions(Kemerling). Second is a categorical imperative which demands an action for its sake alone, which results in many unfamiliar problems (Kemerling). Kant introduced an alternative formulae for the categorical imperative which is the “formula of the end in itself” and the “formula of autonomy” (Kemerling). The formula of the end in itself simply meant that humanity is always treated as an end and not as a mean(Kemerling). The formula of autonomy, on the other hand, means the decision to act according to a maxim is actually regarded as an universal law