preview

Kant And Sir William David Ross Essay

Good Essays

Immanuel Kant and Sir William David Ross agreed and disagreed about different aspects of ethical practice. Both philosophers had influential views on ethics with strong opinions and interpretations of what moral philosophy is. Part of C.S. Lewis’ Book touches on the notions raised by the philosophers.
Positions of Kant and Ross
Immanuel Kant was a Rule Nonconsequentialist Theorist who established Duty Ethics. His theory stemmed from the idea of moral absolutism, a theory which believes moral truths are absolute and we must adhere to them no matter the situation or individuals involved. Kant argued moral requirements are based on a standard of rationality he coined the Categorical Imperative. He surmised immorality requires a violation of the Categorical Imperative and therefore is unreasonable. (Thiroux and Krasemann, pg. 78).
Sir William David Ross agreed with Kant’s Rule Nonconsequentialist Theory but not from the absolutism Kant derived the theory from. He believed in the notion of prima facie duties, which basically states we have certain duties which we must adhere to no matter the situation (Thiroux and Krasemann, pg. 54). In turn, he can be considered a theorist in-between Kant and rule utilitarians since he is a Rule Nonconsequentialist Theorist but based on relativity rather than absolutism.
Summary of Lewis’, "What Christians Believe" Lewis’ “What Christians Believe” is divided into five distinct parts, each attempting to defend the existence of God.
The Rival

Get Access