Defining Reason and Morality in Kant Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Defining Reason and Morality in Kant - Essay Example Investigating the validity of this point then moves into reliance on both the morality which Kant sees as true as well as how other circumstances would change the decisions made by an individual. Kant’s Theory of Rational Morality The main principle which Kant has created is based on the ideology that each individual should be treated with equal respect. The ethical consideration is based on a sense of reason that each individual should have. Kant states that reason is what requires one to act in a humanitarian way, specifically which requires looking at circumstances instead of the end means in a given situation. The ideology is to use morality with the understanding that humanity is the most important aspect of practicing morals, whereas, the individual beliefs and life of an individual is not as important as the whole. More important, Kant’s belief sates that when one is able to create equal respect toward individuals, then there is the ability of building a formula which stops the disrespect and other forms of unethical values which are often created (Hill, 1980: p. 84). The idea of respect is one that is then further defined with the concept of morality, value and what the end result will be if these ideologies are withheld in any given situation. The theory behind this is based on altering the foundational principles for justice and humanitarian acts toward others in society. The concept which Kant creates is one which he leaves as a basis of being logical in terms of creating responses within the way in which an individual treats another. The requirement which Kant states is one based on three approaches which are linked to the logic of this discussion. The first is based on the preservation of rational will, which states that each individual should have the capacity to decide and rationalize how to treat another individual. The second principle is respect for human dignity and integrity. Even if there is a situation in which one is unable to justify the end result, the ability to keep integrity and dignity as a main association becomes more important. The third which Kant states is based on the end which eventually takes place. When applying reason to a given situation, it is known that each individual has the capacity to overcome the situation. If justice and forms of overcoming a specific situation remain intact, then the means eventually justify the ends with the right end decisions being made (Green, 2001: p. 247). From several perspectives, the ideologies of Kant are able to show logical solutions to given circumstances and environmental needs. For instance, in the ethics of business, there is the ability to apply this specific concept to change the circumstances of a situation. When a manager or leader is able to use reason and actions based on humanitarian ideologies then it helps to offer better advancement within the company. This attribute is often referred to as a form of transformational leadership. When the right and reasonable decision is made with the manager, than others will begin to transform and follow the same approach and perspective. This creates a sense of attraction to doing the right action in any given circumstance while building a sense of moral principles that are followed by others within a given environment