One Of The Most Ambiguous Forms Of Moral Philosophy
Moral Philosophy is arguably one of the most ambiguous forms of philosophy, but is also one of the most necessary. We, as humans, seek some moral reference point from which we can assign moral good and bad in everyday life. However, it is not clear exactly which moral standard, if any, is closest to this intangible moral ideal. The problem is that, when speaking of morality, there are so many factors and perspectives to consider. First there is the intention of the person which determines the desired outcome of the action regardless of the practical consequences. Then, following action, you have consequences; these consequences will affect not only the individual and parties directly related, but may also affect the lives of other individuals
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Kant postulated that there was a universal, undeniable moral law that would, in every case, bring us to the morally right choice. This moral law is founded in human reason; every reasoning human being is born with the capacity to comprehend this moral law. Furthermore, this moral law only applies when the subject of an action is also a reasoning being. This means that the morality of actions only matters when that action affects a human being. If one were to intentionally harm a human being then the action would be morally reprehensible. However, if the same action was taken against a dog, who is incapable of reason, then there would be not moral significance behind the action. The categorical imperative is expressed in four ways. In this paper, I will describe the first two expressions of the categorical imperative. the first expression, The Formula of Universal Law,, states that an action is morally permissible if the maxim,the principle behind an action, could become a universal law.. For example, if a man decided to end his own life, because he saw nothing besides evil and suffering in his future then the maxim of that action is as follows: when one feels that there is nothing left in life besides evil and suffering then it is permissible to end one’s own life. Now to apply this maxim universally we will say that if everyone in existence chose along the lines of this maxim when faced with a similar situation, what would be the result? Most of those that have lived have experienced similar despair. . Therefore,if this maxim was universally applied, then most of the people that have ever lived, or will ever live will commit suicide when faced with despair. This mass suicide would end the lives of billions and the world would fall into chaos. This would undoubtedly throw more people into despair who would then also commit suicide, until humanity is extinguished. Therefore committing suicide
Kant postulated that there was a universal, undeniable moral law that would, in every case, bring us to the morally right choice. This moral law is founded in human reason; every reasoning human being is born with the capacity to comprehend this moral law. Furthermore, this moral law only applies when the subject of an action is also a reasoning being. This means that the morality of actions only matters when that action affects a human being. If one were to intentionally harm a human being then the action would be morally reprehensible. However, if the same action was taken against a dog, who is incapable of reason, then there would be not moral significance behind the action. The categorical imperative is expressed in four ways. In this paper, I will describe the first two expressions of the categorical imperative. the first expression, The Formula of Universal Law,, states that an action is morally permissible if the maxim,the principle behind an action, could become a universal law.. For example, if a man decided to end his own life, because he saw nothing besides evil and suffering in his future then the maxim of that action is as follows: when one feels that there is nothing left in life besides evil and suffering then it is permissible to end one’s own life. Now to apply this maxim universally we will say that if everyone in existence chose along the lines of this maxim when faced with a similar situation, what would be the result? Most of those that have lived have experienced similar despair. . Therefore,if this maxim was universally applied, then most of the people that have ever lived, or will ever live will commit suicide when faced with despair. This mass suicide would end the lives of billions and the world would fall into chaos. This would undoubtedly throw more people into despair who would then also commit suicide, until humanity is extinguished. Therefore committing suicide