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The Pros And Cons Of The Kantian Universalization Principle

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Comedian Robert Orben joked, “There is so much pollution in the air now that if it weren’t for our lungs there’d be no place to put it all.” As Homer Simpson famously said, this joke is “funny because it’s true.” The pollution of Earth has been going on for decades, but recently scientists have been pushing very hard for practices that do not harm our planet. In 2006, the first Environmental Performance Index (EPI) was published, ranking countries on how well they are protecting Earth with their policies and practices. Who doesn’t love a little competition? One would think America would love a competition, looking at their competitive market economy. But America is not faring well in this environmental competition. Take a look at the facts. …show more content…

If, however, the result of everyone’s following your action will be very undesirable, do not follow through with the plan. Considering the United States’ ranking in the Environmental Performance Index, the Kantian Universalization Principle must not play a large role in the American environmental policy. An illustration of the lack of Kantian ethics is the Republican Party controlling Congress blocking efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency to keep water meant for drinking, recreation, and development safe. After the Clean Water Rule was released, the House and Senate passed a resolution against the regulations. Congress thought it gave the government too much control over water supplies for farmers, landowners, and developers who would now need a permit just to dig a ditch. President Obama vetoed the resolution. Apply the Kantian Universalization Principle and imagine if every country in the world tried to stop regulations for keeping water

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