ETHC445 Week 4 Discussion (November 2019)

ETHC 445 Principles of Ethics

Week 4 Discussion

Kant

Textbook: Chapter 9, 12 (section: “The Ethics of Duty”)

Lesson

Minimum of 1 scholarly source

Introduction

Kant’s famous First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative reads, “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.” Kant taught morality as a matter of following maxims of living that reflect absolute laws. “Universal” is a term that allows for no exceptions, and what is universal applies always and everywhere. Lying, for any reason, is universally wrong. Be sure to listen to the audio simulation in this week’s lesson before posting in this discussion.

Initial Post Instructions

For the initial post, select one of the following scenarios:

Consider the famous case of the Crazed Murderer. In your town the Crazed Murderer comes to your door looking for your friend and wanting to kill him. You know that your friend went home to hide. What do you tell the murderer? When he leaves and runs up the street to your friend’s house, what do you do?

Consider the positions for and against stem cell research. If stem cell research can benefit a large segment of the population (from repairing cells to curing diseases), is it our duty to continue with such research even if there is the potential to abuse such technology? If so, what steps should be taken to prevent such abuses. Apply the Three Primary Schools of Ethics to determine if stem cell research should be allowed or prohibited.

Follow-Up Post Instructions

Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Address at least one peer who chose a scenario different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.