Part 2 of the Essay Project will be a discussion of your guiding question using deontological thinking. In preparation for writing, you will need to consider how you would answer your question, on the deontological assumption that the moral rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by the agent’s motives for acting. Use Kant’s ethical theory as your framework. Consider following the Categorical Imperative and respecting the autonomy of persons as the proper standards for evaluating actions. Decide how those standards relate to the particular question you are posing, what you think the results of applying Kant’s theory would be, and what (if any) challenges you find in trying to apply that standard to come up with a definitive answer to your question. Then, write a short essay that takes your reader through that process.

QUESTION

Part 2 of the Essay Project will be a discussion of your guiding question using deontological thinking. In preparation for writing, you will need to consider how you would answer your question, on the deontological assumption that the moral rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by the agent’s motives for acting. Use Kant’s ethical theory as your framework. Consider following the Categorical Imperative and respecting the autonomy of persons as the proper standards for evaluating actions. Decide how those standards relate to the particular question you are posing, what you think the results of applying Kant’s theory would be, and what (if any) challenges you find in trying to apply that standard to come up with a definitive answer to your question. Then, write a short essay that takes your reader through that process.

In the essay, do the following:

Don't use plagiarized sources. Get Your Custom Essay on
Part 2 of the Essay Project will be a discussion of your guiding question using deontological thinking. In preparation for writing, you will need to consider how you would answer your question, on the deontological assumption that the moral rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by the agent’s motives for acting. Use Kant’s ethical theory as your framework. Consider following the Categorical Imperative and respecting the autonomy of persons as the proper standards for evaluating actions. Decide how those standards relate to the particular question you are posing, what you think the results of applying Kant’s theory would be, and what (if any) challenges you find in trying to apply that standard to come up with a definitive answer to your question. Then, write a short essay that takes your reader through that process.
Just from $13/Page
Order Essay
  1. Provide a one-paragraph introduction that tells the reader what the guiding question is, what answer you think a Kantian would give to the question, what your main claim (thesis) about the process of thinking through the issue from a Kantian standpoint is, and how the remaining paragraphs of the essay will provide support for that thesis.
  2. Describe Kant’s ethical theory in enough detail for your reader to understand the basics of the view and what it tells us about making judgments concerning the moral status of actions.
  3. Discuss the steps involved in the process of applying the theory to the issue in an attempt to answer your guiding question.
  4. Reflect on the process itself, the results it yields in relation to your question, and your own reasons for accepting those results, rejecting them, or withholding judgment.
  5. Provide a one-paragraph conclusion that reminds the reader what the guiding question is, what answer you think a Kantian would give to the question, and what your main claim (thesis) about the process of thinking through the issue from a Kantian standpoint is.

Before submitting the paper, be sure to review the rubric below. When you are ready, attach and submit a text document (DOCX, DOC, or PDF) to this drop box.

Notes on Turnitin

  • Turnitin is integrated into Canvas, so you should submit your script in Canvas, NOT the Turnitin website.
  • Turnitin will produce an originality report. See the Academic Integrity section of the Syllabus for information about the potential consequences of plagiarism and other violations of academic integrity.
  • ANSWER

  • Deontological Thinking and Kant’s Ethical Theory: Exploring Moral Rightness from a Kantian Standpoint

    Introduction

    In this essay, we will delve into the guiding question of whether lying is morally permissible, utilizing deontological thinking with Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory as our framework. Within the context of deontology, the moral rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by the agent’s motives for acting. As a Kantian, it can be argued that lying is categorically impermissible, as it goes against the principles of the Categorical Imperative and fails to respect the autonomy of persons. The main claim of this essay is to explore the process of applying Kant’s theory to the issue of lying, outlining the steps involved and addressing the challenges that arise when attempting to arrive at a definitive answer.

    Kant’s Ethical Theory

    Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory centers on the idea of duty and the notion that moral actions are those performed out of a sense of duty rather than self-interest or consequences. According to Kant, the basis for moral judgments lies in the intention behind an action, known as the maxim (Kant’s Moral Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), 2022). He proposed the Categorical Imperative as the fundamental principle to evaluate the moral status of actions. The Categorical Imperative states that one should act only according to the maxim that can be willed to become a universal law, treating humanity as an end in itself rather than merely as a means to an end.

    Applying Kant’s Theory to the Guiding Question

    When applying Kant’s theory to the question of lying, several steps must be considered. Firstly, we need to formulate the maxim behind lying, such as “It is permissible to lie when it benefits oneself or others.” Next, we examine whether this maxim can be universally applied without contradiction. Kant asserts that if the maxim cannot be consistently willed as a universal law without contradiction, it is morally impermissible (Santa Clara University, n.d.). In the case of lying, universalizing the maxim leads to a contradiction, as a world where everyone lies undermines trust and the possibility of effective communication. Therefore, lying is deemed morally wrong according to Kantian ethics.

    Challenges and Reflections

    However, the application of Kant’s theory to the question of lying is not without challenges. One notable challenge arises when conflicting duties are present. For example, if someone lies to protect an innocent life, they may argue that they are fulfilling their duty to respect and preserve human life. This conflict highlights the complexity of moral decision-making and the limitations of a strict deontological framework. Another challenge lies in determining the consequences of not lying. Kant’s theory does not explicitly consider the potential harm caused by absolute truthfulness in certain situations, and this omission can be seen as a limitation when evaluating the moral permissibility of lying.

    In considering the results yielded by applying Kant’s theory to the guiding question, it becomes evident that a Kantian standpoint would assert that lying is morally impermissible. The emphasis on universalizable maxims and the respect for the autonomy of individuals lead to the conclusion that honesty and truthfulness should be upheld as moral duties (“The Insights and Shortcomings of Kantian Ethics: Signposts Signaling the Truthfulness of Christian Ethics,” 2019). However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges faced when applying Kant’s theory, such as conflicting duties and potential consequences, which may call for further examination and a nuanced ethical analysis.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the application of deontological thinking, grounded in Kant’s ethical theory, sheds light on the moral permissibility of lying. From a Kantian standpoint, lying is considered morally impermissible due to its incompatibility with the principles of the Categorical Imperative and the respect for autonomy. This essay has explored the process of applying Kant’s theory to the issue of lying, highlighting the steps involved and addressing the challenges encountered. Ultimately, by delving into the complexities of this ethical dilemma, we gain a deeper understanding of the moral considerations involved when evaluating actions through a deontological lens.

    References

    Kant’s Moral Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). (2022, January 21). https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/kant-moral/

    Santa Clara University. (n.d.). Lying. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/lying/ 

    The Insights and Shortcomings of Kantian Ethics: Signposts Signaling the Truthfulness of Christian Ethics. (2019, August 3). The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-insights-and-shortcomings-of-kantian-ethics/ 

     

Homework Writing Bay
Calculator

Calculate the price of your paper

Total price:$26
Our features

We've got everything to become your favourite writing service

Need a better grade?
We've got you covered.

Order your paper