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The Argument Of Kantian's Principle Of Humanity

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The Argument Of Kantian's Principle Of Humanity
Onora O'Neill presents to us the argument of Kantian's Principle of Humanity and how it gives us an obligation to donate to aid agencies. Kant's Principle of Humanity is stated as an "Act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means". The first key argument that O'Neill presents is that duties of justice must be fulfilled because if they aren't people have been used as mere means. O'Neill interprets this in the way that we shouldn't treat people in ways that reflect a maxim they could not in principle rationally consent to. This means that you should treat people with respect in regards to their autonomy and shouldn't use people as a way to reach a maxim. Not …show more content…
She also brings up the "Duty of Beneficence" in argument to why we should help with famine relief. The duty of beneficence states it as an act that you use humanity as an end. Which requires us to help others achieve their goals such as helping them to get the basic necessities they need. Treating people as ends requires that we sometimes act to support and improve their autonomy. Giving aid to people living in poverty and hunger can greatly improve their autonomy. The ways of improving their autonomy include making material contributions to famine relief and development, influencing trade policy of developed nations, educating others about the needs of people in such condition. Giving aid is something we can do without too much burden and would provide substantial benefits to others autonomy. O'Neill's obligation differs from what Singer presents in the way that we should give to aid agencies to help make their autonomy better and to not make yourself feel better. Singer believes that we should donate to famine relief to feel better about ourselves for donating to

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