Kantian Ethical Analysis

Immanuel Kant perceived reason as not only the source of morality, but also the ultimate basis for morality. He believed that the standard of morality is deep-rooted in the human mind and is “derived from one’s innerself by direct perception” (Cavico & Mujtaba, 2009, p.113). Therefore, reason plays a critical role in concluding the origin and content of morality and provides the force behind morality. Additionally, Kant infers that people are rational and can employ their reasoning. This proposes that to be moral, one must also be rational; suggesting morality consists of acting rationally. Unlike the Utilitarian theory, Kant’s theory is based on characteristics that provide people with “distinct worth and dignity.” Furthermore, one is acting morally only if one does not seek to justify one’s actions, even a general happiness (Cavioco &Mujtaba, 2009, p.114).

According to Frank Cavico and Bahaudin Mujtaba, the “Kantian Duty” is “one ought to perform an action, regardless of self-interest, personal desires, or consequences, because it is one’s duty to do so” (p.115). This explains that a morally good person would act cautiously from duty. Accordingly, Kant believed that “only a good will is morally valuable,” which means only a morally good person could be a person with a “good will” (Cavico & Mujtaba, 2009, p.115).

The Categorical Imperative is what Kant called the supreme ethical principle: a crucial component of human reason and the foundation of all moral judgments. A Categorical Imperative requires actions to be truly necessary and objective. Also, the rational moral rules are in fact binding and unqualified. For example, one must do something they believe to be moral no matter what is the end result. Additionally, Kant believed reason suggests a moral action must come in a certain form, such as, an ethics test or a formal test. If an action did not have a certain form it would be considered morally wrong. In this case, the Categorical Imperative...