Question

Cyber ethics:

I am trying to explain the shortcoming of Kantian theory. What else would be beneficial to add to my argument?

1. Examine Kantian Theory from a critical point of view and explain its shortcomings

Kant introduced deontology and moral theory of ethics. Kant says "Good will leads us to the good deeds. It should be the ultimate goal of human life."

Kant makes a distinction between 'I want' and 'I ought'. He means that moral notion is not naturally conveyed in human beings. Man needs to learn it. But through various social norms and education we adhere morality. Such morality leads ultimately us to morally justified activities. Kant believed that it is the duty of the human beings to do good deeds. Kant addresses the idea of self-control. He says that individuals may not be praised or blamed. His good intentions are not dependent on praise or blame. On the other hand, he cannot control the future. All the consequences are not dependent on him.

When Kant speaks about the formation of good will, he does not say how an individual can avoid evil to achieve good deeds. He also says of the good activities, but people in most of the cases, are victims of situation. Kant also does not say how man can be free from mental conflict. Regarding Kant’s beliefs of the ideal world. He says of such individuals that live in the ideal world. The common sense of duty is not generated on the human beings spontaneously. But Kant does not make it clear how common sense of duty is generated in the individual.

Answer 1

Answer -

Examine Kantian Theory from a critical point of view and explain its shortcomings

• Kantian theory: -
  • It is a deontological ethical theory that is stated by the philosopher Immanuel Kant.
  • According to his theory the actions of the man does not depend on their consequences but if they fulfill their duty or not.
  • His theory mainly focuses on the good will that the man should practice the good will.
• Advantages of Kantian Theory: -
  • First advantage of the theory is that it is very straight forward and is based on reason.
  • It tells that the morality is not based on motives or consequences.
  • It tells that morality is everyone doing their own duty instead of just expressing their feelings.
  • It's main aim is to all the people fair and equal.
  • It clearly explain the difference the preference and the duty of the people.
  • It tells that all the ethical actions that take place should be done out of reason and not on emotion.
  • It also tells that the duty of the people is a part of their own experience.
• Limitation of Kantian Ethics: -
  • The theory is good and abstract but it is not realistic as it is not always easy to implement in the real world.
  • The theory is very confusing as it is not clear that the theory is deontological or teleological.
  • Many people believe that taking duty above feelings is wrong and cruel. They do not support this thought.
  • Kant support this theory with the God due to which the atheist do not support this theory.
  • The Kant theory is based on the good will and every person has their own definition of good will.
  • The biggest limitation is that it is in the human nature that they do think of the consequences before acting on anything.
  • It is also not possible for everyone to make rational and moral decisions in life.