The Kantian Morality: Rational Beings

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date Kant: Morality Morality plays an imperative role in society because it comprises of knowledge that enables people to differentiate between right and wrong. Many philosophers have made notable contributions in the concept of morality, with each solid giving arguments in support of their position. One such philosopher was Immanuel Kant, who posits that an action can be deemed as right or wrong depending on whether they are derived from duty rather than consequences. In this paper, I will argue that morality, as per the Kantian framework, is guided by the need to fulfill our duty as rational beings. I will also explain why lying is morally prohibited, about the categorical imperative. My argument for this is based on first, the fact that lying does not guarantee a better future and second, the fact that lying is destructive. Lastly, I will argue that Kant’s claim that lying is morally prohibited is wrong. My argument stems from the fact that first, Kant’s account of what comprises duty lacks clarity and second, he fails to acknowledge the circumstances of the lie. Kant posits that for an action to be deemed morally right or wrong, the origin or the sources of the motives behind the actions must be considered. He explains that the origin of the motives can either be a priori or a posteriori (Kant 3). This is to imply that the origin of the motives can be independent of any experiences, and as such informed by reasoning, or can be informed by experiences. He posits that the morally right action is informed not by experiences, but is a priori that is informed by a rational agency. As such, the origin of the motives in his theory essentially implies that reasoning is very imperative in differentiating between right and wrong. The question that Kant wants us to ask is whether we would be comfortable if our actions were held as universal laws (Kant 12). This means that before terming our actions as morally right or wrong, we should first ask ourselves whether we would want similar actions to be directed at us. Kant believes that the categorical imperative is the supreme principle of morality. He posits that “I ought never to act in such a way that I could not also will that the maxim on which I act should be a universal law.” (Kant 11) In Kant’s view, morality should apply to all people regardless of their likes, desires and personal interests. This view is established on the belief that individuals are autonomous beings who use reason and will to act rationally, and no one would act in a way that they would consider unfair if roles were reversed. Kant believes that lying is not acceptable regardless of the consequences of the lie. First, his belief emanates from the idea that lying in order to get out of a bad situation does not guarantee that the future will be better. He points out that “the consequences cannot be so easily foreseen.”(Kant 11), meaning that lies do not facilitate a smooth existence in the future. As such, human beings cannot will that others will lie without an assurance that this lie will be more beneficial...