Moral Judgement (Kant / Utilitarian) Essay, Research Paper
First of all I want to state the Kantian and the Utilitarian views butt heads
on this issue. The Kantian view is nonconsequential, that is as a matter of principle
with the consequences be damned. The Utilitarian view is consequential with the
results given as much consideration as possible. I will attempt to explain what
I mean through some examples. Some school systems hand out condoms free of charge
to their students. The Utilitarian view would be that this is a good thing. They
would state that by doing so they are stopping unwanted pregnancies that in turn
could cost society. This program would help stop the spreading of diseases such
as HIV, AIDS and syphilis. This also would lesson the burden on society. Kantian
view would not be in favor of this program because it is considering the outcome
of what might happen if the program were not in place. They might feel it is the
parent?s decision to make because it is their job to act in good will of their
family and not the school system?s. Another topic under much debate would be assisted
suicide. The Kantian view is totally opposed to this. It is just wrong to kill
someone. One cannot kill another person out of good will. If you were to apply
this to the Universal Law it would not hold true and there for it is wrong. On
the other hand, the Utilitarian view would be open to this concept. How could
we allow one to suffer knowing they are going to die in the end anyway? Would
it be wrong to stop the suffering? How can one seek the greatest amount of happiness
if they are suffering and are basically condemned to die? By assisting this individual
we are also helping out his family by limiting their grief. We are also helping
out society by freeing up a bed in the hospital for those individuals that could
be healed and go on to lead a happy life. It could also save money if the person
does not have insurance. The last example I want to use is the needle exchange
program. This is where drug users can exchange dirty needles for clean ones. This
program also stops the spreading of diseases such as HIV and AIDS. The Utilitarian
would also state that is lessons the burden on society. Drug users are also associated
to crime and when they come into exchange needles help may be provided to get
them off drugs and there fore lesson the crime rate and bring more happiness to
society. The Kantian view would not be in favor of this program because it is
considering the consequences of what would happen if community doesn?t help. They
would state that drug use is not good will and not at all duty. If a drug user
is breaking the law by using drugs and needles they should be punished. This punishment
is not to be a deterrent but rather what is right because one breaks the law.
I Think the Utilitarian view is better than the Kantian view because it does consider
the outcomes of the event. Though I am not wholly sold on their concept. The Kantian
view does not address the problem it just condemns it. In the world today we all
know what happens when a person breaks the law and so do the criminals yet; they
still break the law. When someone is addicted to a drug it is out of their control
to help themselves and society as a whole should step in and help. Their does
come a time when you can help only so much and it is up to the individual to correct
their own wrong but not in all circumstances. I think the best approach would
be a happy medium between both views.
Vice & Virtue
fourth edition
Fred & Christina Sommers