Aristotle and Kant Theories on Ethics
Aristotle and Immanuel Kant are two of humanity’s philosophical trophies. ... Although hundreds of years span the lifetimes of these two men, the subject and elements of ethics continue to surface as not only relevant, but necessary for humanity’s longevity. Both philosophers cover numerous aspects of ethics, its implications, and humanity’s relationship and duty to it. Ethics is a phenomenon beyond definition. What are ethics? ... How should humans react to the numerous opinions and “takes” on ethics? We study ethics in order to improve our lives, and therefore its principal concern is the nature of human well being. Obviously the debates and questions of ethics are endless. But with mindful discussion and an abundance of thought, even the simpleton can grasp the notion of ethics. For centuries thinkers have pursued this pillar of philosophy, and still today ethics is studied, discussed, and argued over around the world. This essay will cover and analyze the thoughts and theories of both Aristotle and Kant. Aristotle was born in 384 B. ... He was born of an accomplished physician whose scientific background is reflected in the pragmatic writing style of Aristotle. Aristotle received his private tutoring from yet another philosophical giant, Plato. But Aristotle was not simply a tabula rosa for his mentor. ... Aristotle’s great work on ethics is found in Nicomechean Ethics. ... Aristotle saw ethics with gray areas, unlike Plato who compared ethics to mathematics. Although there are a number of key points that Aristotle uses, the theme of his view on ethics hinges on this: ethics is acquired and learned wisdom played out through moral and virtuous actions. He said that ethics constitutes a body of objective knowledge. ... Simply knowing what ethics are does not constitute morality; the essence is for the moral act to become an obvious and natural reaction to the situation. He puts emphasis in the habitual nature required for understanding ethics. Aristotle also stresses that the ethical action must be voluntary. Aristotle notes two classes of involuntary action or actions for which we are not morally responsible. ... Aristotle understood that there is a certain amount of ambiguity and uncertainty when dealing with human beings. ... Aristotle analyzed virtues as the mean between two extremes. ... Aristotle notes that the mean is not always the same for every person in every situation. ... A man of practical wisdom, applying practiced and habitual ethics to his daily decision-making, would be able to judge the particular amount of emotion or virtue for each particular situation. Immanuel Kant was born of Pietist parents, in East Prussia on April 22, 1724. ... Kant’s moral theory is based on a claim that the only the good will is good without qualification. ... Kant argues that morality must have the foundation of moral principles and it not based on variable conditions such as feelings. ... Kant differentiates acting in accordance with duty and acting from duty; his theory on duty is marked by deontological ethics and consequentialism. Deontological ethics, or acting from duty, is a duty or obligation to do the right action simply to conform to the moral law. ... The categorical imperative is worth discussing in detail, for it is one of Kant’s greatest strengths in his theory of ethics.