Lindsay Mack
October 17, 2001
PHIL-050
Sherman
Imagine the Gestapo pounding at your door, demanding to know if you are hiding Jews. Fearful for your life as well as theirs, you resort to Kantian ethics to aid you in your decision: should I tell the truth, which Kant values so dearly, or lie to these people in order to save the Jews whom I have been helping? Although Kant appears to strongly condemn lying for any purpose, a further investigation of his various Formulae and their indications reveals that, in this instance, lying may be morally permissible. By examining Kant's rules for a moral life, in particular the Formulae of Universal Law and of a Kingdom of Ends, one proves the ability to make a logical exception to the Kantian edict against lying. Upon these grounds, you may morally lie to the Gestapo in order to protect Jews seeking refuge.
Within this hypothetical lies a moral dilemma rising from the inevitable conflicts of duty. It is likely that in approaching a solution this dilemma, one will first refer to Kant's test of the Categorical Imperative, that is, unconditional command. Applying the test, the contradiction that Kant so despises presents itself blatantly; the indication is that it is wrong to lie in the given situation. In objection to this conclusion, one may proceed to formulate a two-fold argument relying on this very Formulae as well as the Formulae of the Kingdom of Ends. The first aspect of the objection, that which is derived from the Universal Law concept, questions the assumptions on which the test of the Categorical Imperative is based. Second, the presentation and definition of Kant's Formulae of Humanity and of a Kingdom of Ends reinforces the argument that it is acceptable to lie to the Gestapo. Rejoining these dual arguments, one constructs an acceptable maxim that allows for lying under certain circumstances. In this manner, the elementary interpretation of Kantian ethics is proven inadequate, showing that deeper analysis provides method for exception.
Kant's most basic concept, the Formulae of Universal Law, defines principles of morality. A Universal Law being defined as a law that can be extended to the entire rational population, the Formulae states, "I ought to act in such a way that I could also will that my maxim should become a Universal Law." (Kant 4:402) This statement carries many implications, among them the forbiddance of lying. On the surface, the Formulae indicates that to lie (to conceal information) is in itself morally wrong; therefore, it cannot be permissible under any circumstances. Explained by way of logic, it is wrong because, given the hypothetical, if everyone were to lie, then truth-- that which is exploited-- would be eradicated. Should that which is exploited be eradicated, then the perceived purpose in the exploitation is as well. In this circular manner, Kant points out the illogistics of such a contradiction and bases his argument against it.
October 17, 2001
PHIL-050
Sherman
Imagine the Gestapo pounding at your door, demanding to know if you are hiding Jews. Fearful for your life as well as theirs, you resort to Kantian ethics to aid you in your decision: should I tell the truth, which Kant values so dearly, or lie to these people in order to save the Jews whom I have been helping? Although Kant appears to strongly condemn lying for any purpose, a further investigation of his various Formulae and their indications reveals that, in this instance, lying may be morally permissible. By examining Kant's rules for a moral life, in particular the Formulae of Universal Law and of a Kingdom of Ends, one proves the ability to make a logical exception to the Kantian edict against lying. Upon these grounds, you may morally lie to the Gestapo in order to protect Jews seeking refuge.
Within this hypothetical lies a moral dilemma rising from the inevitable conflicts of duty. It is likely that in approaching a solution this dilemma, one will first refer to Kant's test of the Categorical Imperative, that is, unconditional command. Applying the test, the contradiction that Kant so despises presents itself blatantly; the indication is that it is wrong to lie in the given situation. In objection to this conclusion, one may proceed to formulate a two-fold argument relying on this very Formulae as well as the Formulae of the Kingdom of Ends. The first aspect of the objection, that which is derived from the Universal Law concept, questions the assumptions on which the test of the Categorical Imperative is based. Second, the presentation and definition of Kant's Formulae of Humanity and of a Kingdom of Ends reinforces the argument that it is acceptable to lie to the Gestapo. Rejoining these dual arguments, one constructs an acceptable maxim that allows for lying under certain circumstances. In this manner, the elementary interpretation of Kantian ethics is proven inadequate, showing that deeper analysis provides method for exception.
Kant's most basic concept, the Formulae of Universal Law, defines principles of morality. A Universal Law being defined as a law that can be extended to the entire rational population, the Formulae states, "I ought to act in such a way that I could also will that my maxim should become a Universal Law." (Kant 4:402) This statement carries many implications, among them the forbiddance of lying. On the surface, the Formulae indicates that to lie (to conceal information) is in itself morally wrong; therefore, it cannot be permissible under any circumstances. Explained by way of logic, it is wrong because, given the hypothetical, if everyone were to lie, then truth-- that which is exploited-- would be eradicated. Should that which is exploited be eradicated, then the perceived purpose in the exploitation is as well. In this circular manner, Kant points out the illogistics of such a contradiction and bases his argument against it.
