Kantian Ethics Research Articles

Duties to Self, Consent, and Respect in Kant’s Moral Philosophy

Abstract In Kantian ethics, do we wrong someone when our use of them requires that they violate a duty to self, even when they have consented to that use? In this paper, I answer this question in the negative. Consent that constitutes a violation of a duty to self is impermissible yet normatively transformative. But it also matters how consent was obtained. For example, it matters whether consent is solicited or unsolicited, whether our action amounts to complicity with the violation, and how the act of consent is shaped by the broader contours of the relationship the parties stand in to each other. In Kantian terms, we might fail in our duties of respect to others even when our interactions with them are consensual. So many, but not all, consensual interactions in which one person violates a duty to self are also instances in which they are interpersonally wronged.

Objectivity and truth in Ernst Cassirer’s ethics

AbstractCassirer’s view on ethical objectivity is puzzling. In his scarce comments on Kantian ethics, he defines the “pure will” as a “function of consciousness,” which he considers a prerequisite for the possibility of objective ethical normativity embedded in empirical reality. In the existing body of literature, we find two different interpretations of Cassirer’s account of ethical objectivity. The “meta-philosophical” interpretation takes objectivity as a telos that humanity gradually approaches, thereby emphasizing the historically relative truth standards to which the teleologically-evolving symbolic forms respond. The “Kantian” interpretation takes objectivity as a concept inherent to the conduct of the moral law, highlighting the evaluative and prescriptive aspects of his philosophical method. In this paper, I defend the thesis that, by interpreting Cassirer’s ethics through the lens of Hermann Cohen’s mature ethical theory, we can see that ethical deliberation in Cassirer involves a notion of universality that is a priori and depends on a substantiated concept susceptible to change. The proposed “contingent conception of universality” thesis accounts for both: the evaluative and teleological features of Cassirer’s ethical theory, grounding an a priori account of ethical objectivity conceptualized relative to contingent truth standards that gradually improve.

Using Kantian Ethics in Dissolving Disputes over Management and Distribution of Natural Resources in Tanzania

The broad range of the managements of the natural resources in Tanzania has resulted into the creation of complex organizations and systems which has led to the exploitation of the workers depending on these resources for livelihood. These are various groups of actors such as insurgents’ groups, minority groups, and corrupt democratically elected leaders. Obviously, these leads to internal mistrust and commotion within a state rendered in calmness and contrary to peaceful coexistence. As a researcher the bottom line of these constrains needs holistic education and realization to combat the eminent crisis at hand. Each person has a role to play for the peaceful living in a society with great goals and opportunities. The dignity and integrity of each person is a very important and at stake. My research analysis indicates how Kantian ethics will tackle the above mentioned constrains for the peaceful coexistence in the society. For Kant, every human being has a right and obligation for every moral action. In any democratic society where laws and statutes are adhered to the issues of natural resources must be accounted for with the aim of common good. Using Immanuel Kant’s dictum on categorical imperative, these transformations in the management of the natural resources in Tanzania can be effectively be achieved.

Estimating Social Preferences and Kantian Morality in Strategic Interactions

Estimating Social Preferences and Kantian Morality in Strategic Interactions

“THE ETHICISATION OF RELIGION” IN THE RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS OF M. TAREEV

The subject of the research in the article is the reception of I. Kant’s practical philosophy in the ethical component of the religious and philosophical views of M. Tareev. The hypothesis of the study is the assumption that there is a systemic influence of Kantian ethics and theology on the formation of M. Tareev’s religious and philosophical ideas, which manifested itself in borrowing the method and key concepts of practical philosophy, as well as the central concepts of I. Kant’s philosophy of religion. The research methodology is based on the systematic philosophical approach combined with the method of conceptual analysis of the sources of views and the method of historical and philosophical reconstruction. The novelty of the article lies in substantiating the central importance of the method and key concepts of I. Kant’s practical philosophy, such as the ideas of autonomy of the will, moral obligation and ethical community of people as sources of formation of M. Tareev’s own ideas.

The Particularist Challenge to Kantian Ethics

The Particularist Challenge to Kantian Ethics

Philosophical aspects of the ethics of responsibility by Hans Jonas

In the article the philosophical aspects of Hans Jonas' ethics were described and analyzed. The analysis of their logical coherence and consistency in the observed moral imperatives was carried out. The reconstruction of the meaning of the ideological and contextual context was carried out, within the framework of which Jo-nas formulates the main provisions of his ethical theory. As the main application updating the proposed un-derstanding and ethics of the Recommendation, the solution of the technology, or rather its (their) intensive and irreversible growth, is proposed. The irrelevance of imperative ethics was emphasized in the light of the new particularly acute challenges facing modern civilization. The main epistemological and problematic as-pects of Jonas's ethical theory were highlighted, formulated in the form of questions, the search for answers to which constitute the justification of these scenarios. The application of the author 's logic of argumentation and the metaphysical basis of the new ethics in the key of rationalism, as well as the possibility of its applica-tion in the political dimension at the global level of environmental problems was demonstrated. The author's dichotomies were revealed when analyzing the ethical attitude to such categories as “value” and “responsibil-ity”. The substantial novelty of the Jonas concept was presented, taking into account the main provisions of Kant's formal ethics and ontological explanations of technical Heidegger. It was concluded that, unlike many irrational interests in modern philosophy, the ethics of Realization was embedded in the classical tradition of philosophical knowledge, although constructive polemics were associated with it. The question of the ap-plicability of the practical application of the new ethics was raised.

Denatured Nature

Abstract This essay places the narrative of the Spanish writer José A. Cano (b. 1954 in Madrid) within the context of contemporary Spanish ecofiction. Concerned with the state of global humanity, Cano reflects a growing postnational perspective among Spanish writers whose works critically address the challenges of the Anthropocene—in particular, the destructive effects the tenets of Western modernity (Kantian ethics, utilitarian values, human-Nature divide, logic of exploitation, dualistic and anthropocentric thought, etc.) have had on the more-than-human world. Heavily influenced by the Romanian philosopher E. M. Cioran, Cano’s novel La felicidad del Malvado (2023) offers a pessimistic outlook regarding the future of humankind. Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote provides another backdrop for this transatlantic novel, situated between the United States and Madrid, allowing Cervantine humor to balance out Cioran’s omnipresent voice of doom.

Ethics-Based Information Security System Law: Immanuel Kant's Transcendental Paradigm

An ethics-based information security system based on Immanuel Kant's transcendental legal paradigm can give a strong foundation for tackling moral quandaries in AI, hacking, and information systems. Lavanya Singh highlights the necessity of instinctive ethics based on philosophical literature and presents a Kantian ethics application that adheres to the philosophical tradition. Meanwhile, Sanchita Saha et al. address ethical hacking as a method of disclosing vulnerabilities in information systems for the benefit of society, emphasizing ethical concerns in cybersecurity operations. Furthermore, Flávia Maria Santoro and Rosa Maria Esteves Moreira da Costa underline the significance of examining information systems via an ethical lens in order to negotiate conceptual conflicts and make informed judgments in delicate situations, which is consistent with Kant's moral philosophy. Using doctrinal research methodologies with legal material sources derived from literature studies and qualitative descriptive analysis. This study discovered that by incorporating Kant's concepts into information security systems, the transcendental legal paradigm may guide ethical decision making and promote responsible technological advancement. The Ethics-Based Information Security Systems Act, modeled after Immanuel Kant's Transcendental Paradigm, would prioritize universal ethical principles, respect for human autonomy, duty-bound behaviors, transparency, accountability, and a structured regulatory framework. The law will guarantee that information security is maintained not just through technological means, but also via a solid ethical foundation that respects the dignity and rights of all those concerned.

A synthesis of Kantian ethics and Rousseauvian General Will in justifying the moral ground of political laws

This article explores the Kantian and Rousseauvian solutions to the conflict between autonomy and authority. First, I discuss how the categorical imperatives (CI) are the supreme source of the legitimate authority of a limited number of political laws. By extending the synthetic a priori nature of the CI, I demonstrate how Rousseau’s General Will (GW) can justify political laws in a broader sense. I also refer to the theory of H.L.A. Hart and John Rawls to show that all political laws are binding if they are within the limits of injustice and have some moral foundation. I discussed the limits of authority of on debatable laws such as banning abortion. I analyzed the possibility of GW by using Condorcet’s theorem. I conclude that GW cannot fully justify political laws based on majoritarian direct democracy, owing to problematic assumptions, although it may be an improvement to the current legislative procedure of the U.S.

Kant and Baumgarten on the duty of self‐love

AbstractThis article offers an account of Kant's conception of the duty of self‐love, a rarely researched subject, by investigating how he appropriated Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten's prior conception. I argue that exploring this appropriation helps us to gain new insights into Kant's conception of duty, a leading thread in Kant's ethics. Substantiating this argument, I derive the following conclusions. First, Kant peculiarly affirms a duty to rational self‐love of delight. To be more precise, human beings ought rationally to love themselves in such a way that they are content with—or have a positive feeling about—themselves in acting on maxims that they are pleased to see submitted to the moral law. Further, rational self‐love of delight results from declining pathological forms of self‐love. Second, Kant retains, to a meaningful extent, Baumgarten's conception of the duty to self‐love where feeling and rationality achieve their distinct elevation.

Isaac Breuer's Antiliberal Neo-Kantianism and the Politicization of Jewish Ultra-Orthodoxy

This article centers on the early writings of Isaac Breuer (1910–17), arguing that Breuer's radicalization of neo-Kantianism anchors his revolutionary call to politicize Jewish Orthodoxy. Moreover, it contends that neo-Kantianism, which is normally associated with liberal or social-democratic politics, was given a thoroughly antiliberal reading by Breuer that led to an antiliberal Orthodox politics. While the rise of non-Zionist political Orthodoxy is often regarded as an obsolete traditionalism unattuned to the nature of mass politics, Breuer's politicization of Orthodoxy reveals a coherent antiliberal political theory that addresses the aporias of the democratic age. Breuer uses neo-Kantianism to develop an anti-Weberian “science of politics” which attempts to overcome the modern plurality of values by positing Judaism as coercive public morality. Reading Breuer's Jewish writings through the lens of his quarrels with Weber, Stammler, and Cohen, this article explores Breuer's attempt to overcome the association of Kantian morality with liberalism, by legitimizing coercion politically, philosophically, and theologically. This enabled Breuer to criticize apolitical forms of Jewish Orthodoxy, Zionist programs to politicize Judaism, and democratic politics more generally.

Exploring the Ethical Dimensions of Mandatory Immunization Discourse for School Attendance in Indonesia

Mandating complete vaccination for school attendance is still in the discourse for the future policy in Indonesia. Like any other policy, this discourse needs to be given an open space to be looked in a critical point view of ethic. This article critically examines the ethical dimensions surrounding the discourse of implementing mandatory immunization for school attendance in Indonesia, employing a multi-faceted ethical analysis. A case study utilizing moral reasoning through the lenses of utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, virtue ethics, and principlism was employed. From a utilitarian standpoint, mandatory vaccination is ethically justifiable, emphasizing its potential to yield substantial health benefits for society, reduce healthcare spending, and contribute to economic growth. The straightforward nature of this intervention, unlike other complex public health measures, makes it an appealing strategy for increasing vaccination coverage. However, Kantian, non-maleficence, and autonomy perspectives introduces ethical complexities, as mandatory immunization may be perceived as infringing upon individual beliefs and personal choice. The article advocates for open and honest discussions, understanding religious perspectives, and fostering trust in governmental decision-making to address these concerns. Virtue ethics are explored to underscore the importance of cultivating social responsibility in the success of public health measures. It further emphasizes the need for a just implementation of the policy, treating the specific needs of regions. In conclusion, the article posits that while the benefits of mandatory immunization are substantial, ethical considerations demand a delicate balance between promoting public health goals and respecting individual freedom. It suggests that achieving immunization targets necessitates a comprehensive approach, including respecting individual choices, building trust, widespread education on vaccine benefits and risks, and ensuring sustainable financing and vaccine procurement across all segments of Indonesia.

From Sport Psychology to Action Philosophy: Immanuel Kant and the Case of Video Assistant Referees.

The implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) in 2018 has had a significant impact on the multi-billion-dollar soccer industry. As the most popular and watched sport globally, soccer's financial stakes are high, with clubs, leagues, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans heavily invested in the game. The ongoing debate surrounding the VAR system brings to light the intricate balance between preserving the authenticity of football (soccer) and harnessing technology to improve accuracy. It is crucial to strike the right equilibrium in order to uphold football's metaphorical power and sustain the timeless joy it has brought to fans throughout generations. In this context, Immanuel Kant's philosophy can offer valuable insights into the utilization of VARs in soccer. According to Kantian ethics, using VARs can be justified if it serves to enhance fairness and accuracy, aligning with the moral duties of referees. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the potential dehumanizing effects and the necessity of preserving the value of human judgment in the game. Therefore, this paper aims to explore in-depth the intricate dynamics that arise when technology is integrated into traditional practices, emphasizing the significance of critical reflection on the implications of such advancements.

Редукция трансцендентного как основание имагинативного поворота в неопрагматизме

<span lang="EN-US">The article is devoted to the analysis of the conceptual and methodological grounds of the imaginative turn made within the framework of neopragmatist discourse. The specific works of R. Rorty, H. Putnam, and M. Johnson are used as examples to present the features of the interpretation of ethics, moral law, and rationalist tradition. The article emphasizes the process of metaphorization of key concepts of Kant's ethics by the neopragmatists. It is argued that for Putnam Kant's ethics has value first of all for its figurative component, the presence of colorful metaphors based on the core concepts of the Judeo-Christian tradition. In adding, it is suggested to critically evaluate the position of Johnson, who deals in detail with Kant's main moral law, the meaning of the categorical imperative. It is established on the basis of the fact that neopragmatists have reduced the transcendental dimension that the crucial role begins to be taken by the sensuality of the empirical subject and imagination as a moral moderator. The author refers to this phenomenon by the term "imaginative turn". Citing the works of Russian researcher E.N. Ustyugova the author makes a conclusion that for neopragmatists the human being turns out to be an empirical natural phenomenon, and aesthetics is the only fundament for moral judgments.</span>

Bioethics-CSR Divide

Bioethics-CSR Divide

Reflections on Habermas’s discourse ethics

In this article Habermas’s discourse ethics is critically interpreted. The article starts with a brief intellectual biography of Habermas (section 1), showing that his life and work has always had a strong ethical and political dimension – leading to the concept of discourse ethics. Next, it is indicated how Habermas’s work in the 1970s culminated via four steps in his major philosophical work – the Theory of Communicative Action (section 2) published in 1981. In the next two sections Habermas Theory of Communicative Action is applied to ethics and morality in the form of his discourse ethics – the heart of this contribution (section 3). In this process the following four aspects of Habermas’s discourse ethics are discussed: Its qualified Kantian deontological dimension, as well as its universalist, cognitivist, and formalist dimensions. In the following section (4) the discussion of discourse ethics is shifted to Habermas’s theory of law, deliberative politics, and democracy which is a further application of ideas developed in his Theory of Communicative Action. The contribution then ends with some critical remarks on Habermas discourse ethics and sketch of law and politics (section 5) Three arguments are presented in this regard. First, Habermas argument is judged to be too closely related to abstract rationality. Secondly the distinction that Habermas makes between morality and ethics is critically investigated. Finally, the Habermasian use of justification in his argument is critically compared with the concept of application. These points of criticism, though, indicate that the debate on Habermas’s discourse ethics is ongoing.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article deals with the concept of discourse ethics (in the Kantian tradition of ethics) as developed firstly by Karel Otto Apel and later refined by Jurgen Habermas for his own purposes. The line of argumentation developed here has significant relevance for philosophy, moral theory, law, and theology. Discourse ethics can be considered as a contemporary version of Kantian deontological ethics after the linguistic turn.

The "Bystander at the Switch" Revisited? Ethical Implications of the Government Strategies Against COVID-19.

Suppose COVID-19 is the runaway tram in the famous moral thought experiment, known as the "Bystander at the Switch." Consider the two differentiated responses of governments around the world to this new threat, namely the option of quarantine/lockdown and herd immunity. Can we contrast the hypothetical with the real scenario? What do the institutional decisions and strategies for dealing with the virus, in the beginning of 2020, signify in a normative moral framework? This paper investigates these possibilities in order to highlight the similarities and, more importantly, the differences that exist between utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. Analysis shows that the hypothetical scenario can never be fully compared to the complex multifactorial nature of the real world. But if a comparison is attempted, the most obvious difference between the two governmental strategies is the concept of duty within the Kantian perspective. Ultimately, it is a matter of comparing freedom and life. Attributing a moral "priority ticket" to one or the other can be analysed through interpersonal aggregation.

Sustainability and impossible worlds

This paper mobilises the idea of impossible worlds to conceptualise and explore inconsistent and illogical visions and ways of living sustainably. Specifically, the paper focuses on an understanding of sustainability based on classic Kantian universalistic ethics (suppose everyone did the same) and relative feelings of responsibility and guilt for the environment. By mobilising three vignettes, the paper argues that impossibility is present in current environmental thinking, and narratives of impossibility have an emotional and political role in shaping popular discourses concerning environmentalism and responsibility. It suggests that exploring glitches, impossibilities, contradictions and inconsistencies may contribute to understanding the role of personal guilt in sustainability narratives, and potentially trigger change.

Putting Wronging First

Abstract I argue that an act can be wrong because it wrongs a particular person. I then show how this thesis serves as a constraint on moral theories, using Kantian ethics as a case study.