Absolute Rules vs. Human Dignity |
Kant says: |
Only act in ways that you would find acceptable as universal moral laws. |
You want to treat people as if they are to be done /for/, not /with/. In other words, don't use people. They are an end, not a means only. What does this mean? |
Generally, we need to take into account other people. We need to try to promote their welfare, respect their rights, avoid harming them, and try to promote their interests. |
We also need to respect their rationality. Most of the time, we interact with people in manipulative ways. |
Why are people so important? |
People have desires and goals. |
We are rational; we can reason. (Without rational beings, questions of morality disappear.) |
Justifications for punishment (Utilitarian) |
Deterrent |
Rehabilitation |
Kant's Justifications |
Retributive - because they've broken the law |
Equal in measure to the crime |
Two reasons for punishment: |
Justice (eye for an eye) |
Respect criminal as a person when we punish instead of trying to change. |
As a rational person, I tell you how to treat me by my own actions. |
If I don't treat you as a rational person |
I'm treating you as an incompetent. |