Kantian Ethics and Christian Ethics - 1400 Words

Kantian Ethics and Christian Ethics Immanuel Kant the founder of the Categorical Imperative (CI) argues that morality is based on standards of rationality. Therefore, to act in disaccord with the CI is to act irrationally or immorally. In comparison to Christianity, to act immorally is to act in disagreement with Gods laws. Kants CI is formulated into three different ways, which include: The Universal Law Formulation, The Humanity or End in Itself Formulation, and The Kingdom of Ends Formulation (Stanford) . The first to formulas combine to create the final formulation. Christianity closely relates to each formula, except for the final formulation. Christianity provides context where following the CI will not result in moral†¦show more content†¦In the scenario Lying to the Murderer at the Door the murderer was to ask Kant where is his victim. Based on his CI he cannot lie in any circumstance, thus making him tell the murderer where his victim is, furthermore making Kant p artly responsible for the victims death. Benjamin Constant attacked Kant immediately by saying The moral principle, it is a duty to tell the truth, would make any society impossible if it were taken singly and unconditionally. Kant responded with his own document called On a Supposed right to Lie From Altruistic Motives where he stated To tell the truth is thus a duty: but is a duty only in respect to one who has a right to the truth. This argument completely destroys his CI. Kants philosophy is priori which means that through reason all laws can be used in any situation. One who has the right to truth cannot be determined before understanding the persons intentions. You cannot automatically know not to lie in every situation, because you must interpret the situation. 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. God is the one to decide if we a re to lie or not, thus Kant is lacking faith and judgment in his first Formulation. The next formulation is The Humanity or End Itself Formulation which states, So act as to treat humanity, both in your own person, and in the person of everyShow MoreRelatedExplore the Resemblances and Differences Between Kantian and Christian Ethics.3118 Words   |  13 PagesImmanuel (1724–1804)- Through ancient times and evolution of history ethics has always been viewed as a center of societies of mankind, embracing practical nature links it with many other areas of study, including anthropology, biology, economics, history, politics, sociology, and theology with the teaching of Western philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, or Asia with the view of Confucius, Lao-tzu or Meng Tzu etc. Yet, â€Å"ethics remains distinct from such disciplines because it is not a matter of factualRead MoreThe Case Of Evan Motts Assisting His Wife s Euthanasia Essay1644 Words   |  7 PagesI am going to discuss in this essay the case of Evan Motts assisting his wife s euthanasia. 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