Introduction to Kantian Ethics
Kantian Ethics bases its theory of having a moral ‘duty’ to help one work out the right solution in an ethical dilemma (instead of inclination). Kant uses the ‘categorical imperative’, which is a moral command that is not optional or dependent on personal desires, to solve an ethical issue. There are three formulations which make up the ‘categorical imperative’ and if an action is to be considered moral, it must pass this ‘test’. The first is the formula of the law of nature, where one should consider a world with everyone acting in a particular way. The second is the formula of End in itself, where one should never treat others as a ‘means to an end’. The third is the formula of a kingdom of Ends, where one should imagine that they are the law-makers of a Utopian world and decide whether that particular action should be allowed. Most importantly, Kantian Ethics values the motives of an action more than the consequences.
Skilled Veterans Corps: Suicide (wrong) VS Heroism (right)
Kantian ethics will argue that the motives are more important than the consequences, as one should not get into the habit of judging situations based on their inclination as it can easily spread to wrong-doing. Therefore, the fact that the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ want to give up their lives for the good of others makes this an ‘immoral’ act. If one puts this through the ‘categorical imperative’ test, the results will show that this cannot be a universal rule, especially in a Utopia, because everyone will die. In addition, this is certainly using the elderly as a ‘means to an end’. Consequently, it is clear that the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ falls under ‘Suicide’ because it is morally wrong. Although these volunteers will save the lives of others, that is part of the outcome. In quite literal terms, the motive is to sacrifice, or kill, the ‘Skilled Veterans’ so that other people can survive instead of them.
Therefore, it seems like a Kantian ethicist would categorise the actions of the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ as suicide because the motives themselves can be viewed as immoral. Furthermore, these people are volunteers, meaning that they want to, as well as feel the need, to give up their lives for the younger people.
Kantian Ethics bases its theory of having a moral ‘duty’ to help one work out the right solution in an ethical dilemma (instead of inclination). Kant uses the ‘categorical imperative’, which is a moral command that is not optional or dependent on personal desires, to solve an ethical issue. There are three formulations which make up the ‘categorical imperative’ and if an action is to be considered moral, it must pass this ‘test’. The first is the formula of the law of nature, where one should consider a world with everyone acting in a particular way. The second is the formula of End in itself, where one should never treat others as a ‘means to an end’. The third is the formula of a kingdom of Ends, where one should imagine that they are the law-makers of a Utopian world and decide whether that particular action should be allowed. Most importantly, Kantian Ethics values the motives of an action more than the consequences.
Skilled Veterans Corps: Suicide (wrong) VS Heroism (right)
Kantian ethics will argue that the motives are more important than the consequences, as one should not get into the habit of judging situations based on their inclination as it can easily spread to wrong-doing. Therefore, the fact that the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ want to give up their lives for the good of others makes this an ‘immoral’ act. If one puts this through the ‘categorical imperative’ test, the results will show that this cannot be a universal rule, especially in a Utopia, because everyone will die. In addition, this is certainly using the elderly as a ‘means to an end’. Consequently, it is clear that the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ falls under ‘Suicide’ because it is morally wrong. Although these volunteers will save the lives of others, that is part of the outcome. In quite literal terms, the motive is to sacrifice, or kill, the ‘Skilled Veterans’ so that other people can survive instead of them.
Therefore, it seems like a Kantian ethicist would categorise the actions of the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ as suicide because the motives themselves can be viewed as immoral. Furthermore, these people are volunteers, meaning that they want to, as well as feel the need, to give up their lives for the younger people.