philosophy
... influence of human emotions and desires. A truly good act as defined by Kant is performed because of an obligation to the categorical imperative. The objectives and personal agendas of the individual performing the act must be kept separate and distinct. Utilitarism makes ethical decisions based on the consequences of the action taken. Unlike Kant’s view the motives are not important just the consequences. The action is measured by how much happiness or sadness the action creates. The ideal ethical decision is the one that creates the most happiness and the least amount of sadness. It nearly impossible to have different degrees of freedom since a person would have to experience all the various degrees of freedom to determine what degree of happiness is better than the other. The thief who stole from the millionaire Kant would examine the motives of the thief. The thief is stealing for himself regardless of his situation. Even if his family is poor and struggling. The thief is still furthering himself. The reasons for the thief stealing from the wealthy man doesn’t matter. Stealing is against the universal law that it is wrong to steal from another person. This applies to everyday life and decision-making occurrences, needs and wants are thrown out the window. Any form of stealing is wrong according to Kant. This is a strong argument because it stands firm in that it is wrong to steal. We are in a society that has laws and regulations against stealing this keeps order in society. Kant’s view does not waver despite the possible physical and emotional needs of the thief. Kant doesn’t make exceptions for the poor and unfortunate. A person using Mill’s ethic code would look at the situation then examine the consequences of the action taken. The millionaire doesn’t have a clue that the money is gone. There are plenty of indicators that the man is stealing quality of life and material possessions are two for example. As a res...