Topic : Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
7. In your own words, explain Kant’s principle of ends. Do you think that this could be a useful moral principle for you in everyday life? (250 words)
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is about Kantian principle of ends in ethics.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the concept of Kant’s principle of ends in detail and suggest if the principle can be useful as a moral principle in everyday life.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
The philosopher Immanuel Kant said that rational human beings should be treated as an
End in themselves and not as a means to something else.
Body:
Discuss the concept in detail its significance. If a person is an end-in-themself it means their inherent value doesn’t depend on anything else – it doesn’t depend on whether the person is enjoying their life, or making other people’s lives better. To treat someone simply as a means, and not also as an end, is to treat the person in a way That undermines their power of making a rational choice themselves. It means, first, that we Should appeal to other people’s reason in discussing with them what to do, rather than Manipulate them in ways that they are unaware of. Coercing someone, lying to them, Stealing from them, all involve not allowing them to make an informed choice. If they are Involved in our action in any way, they need to be able to agree (or refuse) to adopt our end as their own.
Explain with suitable examples as to where all the philosophy can be applied suggest your opinion.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of the principle.
