Kant and Weber: Ethics in Politics and Morality
Kant: Morality, Freedom, and Reason
The Interplay of Morality and Freedom
Kant argues that the existence of morality is intrinsically linked to freedom. To justify the demands of morality, one must demonstrate the reality of freedom. Kant distinguishes between two uses of reason, with the practical use being the focus of his works, *Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals* and *Critique of Practical Reason*. Reason draws a clear line between duty and desire, morality and self-interest. Moral standards,
Read MoreHobbes, Locke, and the Self: A Comparative Analysis
Thomas Hobbes and the Leviathan
Thomas Hobbes, a prominent 17th-century English philosopher, is best known for his work Leviathan. This work explores his theory of absolutism. Hobbes posits that in a natural state, humans would be entirely free, with no limitations. He argues that society restricts individual freedom. In this natural state, there is no society, and therefore, no impediment to freedom. However, this natural state is governed by the law of the stronger or more intelligent. Man’s nature
Read MoreKant’s Categorical Imperative and the Path to Perpetual Peace
Kant’s Concept of Duty and Ethics
Formal Ethics and the Good Will
Kant’s ethics are based on duty and not on the basis of good. It is a formal ethics, valid for anyone who has the capacity to be rational. The moral value of an action is not determined by the specific outcome, but by the ability to achieve it, the means by which it is achieved: the good will. Formal ethics is based on how we need to be good people. Humans, according to Kant, act according to duty. Duty is defined as the need for action
Read MoreProtecting LGBTQI+ Youth: Ending Harmful Practices & Discrimination
In some countries, young LGBT persons are subjected to harmful so-called ‘therapies’ intended to ‘modify’ their orientation or identity. Such therapies are unethical, unscientific, and ineffective and may be tantamount to torture. Young transgender people also lack access to recognition of their gender identity and are subjected to abusive procedures, such as sterilization or forced treatment.
In addition, intersex children and young people may be subjected to medically unnecessary, irreversible
Read MoreHobbes vs. Locke: Contrasting Social Contract Theories
Hobbes believed that the authority limits us (e.g., strong man + apple, kill), which is reflected in his famous phrase: “Man is a wolf to man.” According to Hume, man has a natural tendency to be afraid of something powerful. Instead, Hobbes argues that by failing to adhere to religion or positive law in the natural state, there is a continuing struggle between men, creating a condition of fear and insecurity. This fear leads to the formation of a social contract, delegating power to a king with
Read MoreGreek Philosophy: Rationality, Politics, and Human Nature
The Greeks: The Rational Animal
The Homeric Hero
Philosophical thought emerged in Greece as a tool to explain reality. Before philosophical reason, everything was explained through myths. Myths presented a model where anthropomorphic gods had human traits, and heroes, immortals, and demigods (sons of a god and a woman) were examples of virtue to be followed. However, human life was conditioned by the capricious will of the gods and other external powers.
The Man in Greek Philosophy
From the sixth century
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