Kantians believe promises should always be kept even if breaking brings about benefits because if everyone starts breaking promises what is the point of making one.

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Dr. Kirk McDermind

Philosophy 100

10 March 2008

Essay 2- Kantians think promises must always be kept,

in every circumstance

A Kantian is another form of deontologists who believes that everyone should do what is morally right according to their beliefs without fear of consequences, yet they should never use people as “means to your end but as ends in themselves” (Martin 130). They are driven by the duty to show others respect. Kantian believes in respect and that we can use people to get what we want, as long as we respect them (by helping them get what they want/need) while we use them. As long as there is mutual respect toward each other while seeking one’s own benefit, then it is ok.  The situation with Kantian and her promise to coach her friends son to become a doctor even though he will kill patients is a hard one  for a character like Kantian. Kantian could go two ways. Either keep the promise and coach her friends son or not coach and save future patients lives.

        Certainly, the value of a promise is important but to what extent can we hold onto a promise? Promises are not meant to be broken, but if it is a life and death situation, does that promise have any value?  How do promise play a part in a philosophical aspect? Kantians believe promises should always be kept even if breaking brings about benefits because if everyone starts breaking promises what is the point of making one. For example, if you promised your mom to be home at 10:00PM but you arrived fifteen minutes late because you were having too much fun, your mom is not going to trust you being home on time and will punish you for not keeping your end of the bargain. Every time you promise your mom to be home a certain time she is not going to trust you since you have already disappointed her. You benefited by being out later than you should have been but your promises to be home a certain time have lost their value. To Kantian, promises hold a moral value in spite of consequences and therefore breaking a promise is immoral.

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        Kantian at first would say I made a promise and I have to keep it. It is my duty as a person who has morals to keep their promise. I have agreed to prepare the boy for medical school. Kantian would also say the “ I  have a duty toward my friend because I have promised to help the boy get into medical school, if I breaks my promise I will be going against my beliefs and will deny my philosophy in life”. Kantian’s categorical imperative is telling her she has to keep her promise without questioning it. It will ...

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