Kant's famous First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative reads, "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." Kant taught morality as a matter of following maxims of living that reflect absolute laws. "Universal" is a term that allows for no exceptions, and what is universal applies always and everywhere. Don't forget about the second formulation of the categorical imperative which states, "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end and never simply as a means." It is just as important.
For the initial post, address one of the following sets of questions:
What are the personal and/or communal ethical factors that may be involved in determining the moral position of either side given a contemporary debate, such as those concerning animal rights, stem cell research, abortion, the death penalty, and so forth?
Elaborate in detail the ethical positions arrived at by using the Kantian categorical imperative relative to the long standing debate surrounding the death penalty or abortion. Argue the ethics from the point of view of the prisoner or from the fetus
Evaluate the ethical positions in part two. You will want to detail whether they are convincing, logical, correct, consistent, etc.
Full Answer Section
The second formulation of the categorical imperative also argues against the death penalty. According to this formulation, we should treat humanity as an end in itself, and never simply as a means. The death penalty treats the prisoner as a means to an end, namely, the protection of society. However, the prisoner is also a human being, and we should not treat them as if they have no value.
The Ethical Position of the Prisoner
The prisoner has a number of ethical arguments against the death penalty. First, the prisoner has a right to life. This right is not forfeited simply because the prisoner has committed a crime. Second, the death penalty is a cruel and unusual punishment. It is a form of torture, and it is not necessary to protect society from the prisoner. Third, the death penalty is irreversible. If the prisoner is innocent, there is no way to bring them back.
The Ethical Position of the Fetus
The fetus also has a number of ethical arguments against abortion. First, the fetus has a right to life. This right is not forfeited simply because the fetus is not yet born. Second, abortion is a form of killing. It is the intentional termination of a human life. Third, abortion is often motivated by selfish reasons, such as convenience or financial hardship.
Evaluation of the Ethical Positions
The ethical positions on the death penalty and abortion are both complex and challenging. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. However, I believe that the Kantian perspective provides a strong argument against both the death penalty and abortion. The death penalty and abortion both treat human beings as means to an end, and they both violate the right to life.
Conclusion
The Kantian categorical imperative is a powerful tool for ethical reasoning. It can be used to argue for or against a wide range of moral issues. In the case of the death penalty and abortion, the Kantian perspective provides a strong argument against both practices.