PHI 208 Week 3 Discussion (Kant Right Action)
PHI 208 Week 3 Discussion (Kant Right Action)
Kant famously states that the only thing good without qualification is a good will. On this basis, he holds that we can do the “right action” but not out of a good will, and that only actions done from a good will are morally praiseworthy. Do you agree with Kant? Provide an example (real or made up) of someone doing a good thing but out of a motive other than that of a good will, and give reasons for why you think Kant is right, or why you think Kant is wrong that this action lacks moral value. Discuss the importance of the will and how one can attempt to create a good will. If you do not think a good will is important discuss your reasons for believing that the will is not important in ethical action.
One of Kant’s formulations of the Categorical Imperative says that one should always treat humanity, whether in oneself or in another, always as an end and never merely as a means. Briefly explain what that means. Consider a specific example from the world of business, either one that you have directly encountered or one you heard or read about, in which a company honored this principle, and consider another example in which a company failed to honor this principle. Be sure to clearly explain your examples with respect to Kant’s theory, and refer to the other readings on business ethics when appropriate. If you find the example from a source on the internet or in an article be sure to share the source information with your classmates. Finally, state whether or not you believe that businesses could actually run according to a Kantian moral framework or if they must necessarily break Kant’s laws in order to function according to normal business principles