Sartre's Groundwork Of Metaphysic Of Morals

Sartre’s summary of the young person’s dilemma, there is only two choices; stay with the terminal ill mother or serve the government in military action.

Looking Kant’s deontological ethics a few things to consider, pure reason implies universal laws do not contradict. Kant says in Groundwork of Metaphysic Of Morals “act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.” (421) Another important point in Kant’s ethics states, "there remains law, namely to promote his happiness not from inclination but a duty, and then his conduct has for the first time its authentic moral worth." (400) Prefacing a universal law that says, everyone at all times when called upon should go to war. This young person is acting morally right by following the government conscript out of duty by not making an excuse. This young person would be working with genuine intention; the right thing is serving your country and good will. In Kant’s Groundwork of Metaphysic Of Morals it says, “Just here begins the worth of character, which is moral and the highest without any comparison, namely that he is beneficent not from inclination but from duty.” (399)

The palliative care for the terminally ill mother will not reverse the illness or cure her. She is going to die, it may be one week, one
However, the young person may find great joy and pleasure in helping the beloved mother. Following the conscript of the government is in the best interest of the entire country. The military action suggests a need for protection and safety of the whole country. In applying Mill’s theory of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people; then assume the young person has a higher faculty to discern between the benefits to his mother or his country. The morally right thing is to follow the government