Categorical Imperative and Aristotle Chapter

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Ethical Issues of Importance

Kant's categorical imperative is the notion that there are some compulsions that are inherently ethical. It means there are some actions and codes of ethics that are ethically defensible in an immutable fashion, regardless of the situation. The best example of a categorical imperative is the proverbial golden rule which states: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Hypothetical imperatives function as the antithesis of categorical imperatives. They are actions that are ethically defensible based on certain mutable factors such as desire or temporary circumstances. Hypothetical imperatives mean that there are certain situations in which one can engage in behavior deemed ethical, and others in which it is unethical behavior. Selling stock in the stock market is an example of this imperative.

Kant's first formulation is to act only on maxims that one wants to be universal law. It means only do those things you want everyone else to do as well. An example is being polite to others. The second formulation is to treat people as an end and not as the means to an end. This formulation means do not use people. An example is to be respectful to someone working for you -- not just pay them and be rude towards them.

4 Kant's four examples are about suicide, breaking promises and lying, developing one's talents, and helping others. These are examples of behavior that is ethically defensible and that which is not. For example, one should never commit suicide despite a spouse leaving, one should not lie to make money, one should develop one's talents even if one is poor, and one should try to help others when one can.

5 Kant says some acts are immoral and are perfect duties depending on the nature of the act. A perfect duty is one which must be upheld at all times because it is moral.

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An example of this notion is refraining from committing suicide, because to do so would be innately immoral. Such a duty is considered rigorous by the philosopher because it must be maintained at all points in time.

6 Kant says imperfect duties are those which allow individuals to make exceptions to them. These duties are not binding and rigorous; one can either choose to perform these duties or decide to not perform them. Examples of these duties are whether or not to help an old lady across the street. Without enough time for this duty, one shouldn't do it.

7 Aristotle's argument for the good of humanity is that man is able to achieve good by doing that which he was designed to function as. For mankind, that function is to think, which is a virtue for mankind. Thus, Aristotle thinks that the greater good can be achieved in humanity by men engaging in a quiet life of contemplation.

8 Aristotle's argument about our functions for the good of humanity is that humanity was designed to reason. It is this ability to reason which distinguishes mankind from other creatures, and distinguishes him from other things on the planet. Engaging in this function is the way to create good for humanity.

9 Aristotles argument for how functioning well leads to flourishing and happiness is that by engaging in what one is primarily designed to do or how to function, one is fulfilling one' true purpose. This in turn allows one to flourish and be happy.

10 One thing all of Aristotle's virtues share in common is their relationship to morality, or to ethical behavior. The philosopher unequivocally believed that all virtue led to ethically defensible behavior, and that virtue led to morals. This notion was ture of all virtues.

11 All Aristotelian virtues exist on a….....

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