Peer Response 1

· All postings (including replies to peers) are expected to be thought out, proofread for mechanical, grammatical, and spelling accuracy, and to advance the discussion in an intelligent and meaningful way (i.e., saying something like “I really enjoyed what you had to say” will not count). You are also encouraged to do outside research and quote from that as well.

Discuss with your peers:

Consider whether your peers have provided different analyses and/or responses than you did (or would if it’s a different topic). If it is, raise some questions about their view that could lead to a good discussion about your differences. If your responses were similar, think about a problem or worry that could be raised about your views, and discuss with your peer how to address it.

PEERS RESPONSE:

Categorical Imperative is Immanuel Kant's method for assessing inspirations as to why and how they act. Categorical Imperatives are our activities dependent on moral standards and end in themselves since they desire ethical goodness. They are not to accomplish something but rather to copy what one would need to consider as a universal law. Kant says, "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but at the same time as an end” (Thames, 2018). All actions are morally good if appropriately performed.

The formula of Humanity as an end: Never regard anybody as an unfortunate means or utilize thoughts such as the tendency or particular advantage of actions. According to Thames (2018), "the formula of humanity and Kant say to act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as an end and never merely as a means.” As such, one should not utilize individuals as objects but rather perceive the inherent dignity and esteem. We have an ethical duty to treat others in manners that mirror our values and attempt not to diminish individuals. Implying that when one regards somebody as an end, they believe the other inherent value; when one considers somebody as a means, they see one as an instrumental value.

Kant believed that morality is superior to life and suicide is a duty, not a personal choice. Kant believes in self-sacrifice, and committing suicide is treated as an instrumental value, and committing suicide is morally wrong. If one sacrifices themselves to save another person, then it is ethically correct.

Utilitarianism indicates that a good action accomplishes the best generally adjust of bliss over misery. Kant believed in values that some goals ought to be sought after by anyone. Regardless of how positive or negative the outcomes are, utilitarian’s say that a good action accomplishes the best balance of satisfaction over misery. From a Utilitarian perspective, it supports suicide as in self-euthanasia. Suppose an individual is suffering and would suffer for the rest of their lives and wants to end their life because there is no cure to heal their condition. When it pertains to the actual suicide of an individual, and it causes consequences to the one's around that individual, then suicide is not supported by a Utilitarian.

A Utilitarian would say that if the individual wanted to do self-euthanasia because of psychological suffering and the family supported it, and it would be okay. But Kant says that killing oneself is treating yourself as an instrumental value and that it is only acceptable to kill oneself when saving another life. I would have to say that I agree with Kant’s conclusion that one should not kill themselves, but I also believe that if one is suffering from pain every day and cannot live their life, then they should have the choice to do what makes them happy and if that is to commit suicide then it is their choice. Kant’s reasoning is superior to the utilitarian’s theory I agree with both of them to a certain degree. Kant believes that it is wrong to commit suicide because suicide is contrary to self-love's purpose. Self-love is meant to promote and improve human life. When an individual commits suicide from self-love, one is employing it contrary to its natural purpose.

-Fernando

References:

Thames, B. (2018). How should one live? An introduction to ethics and moral reasoning. (3rd ed). https://content.ashford.edu/books/Thames.5057.18.2/sections/ch03