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Categorical Imperative in a Grey World (2)
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Categorical Imperative in a Grey World
Kant formulated the belief that the world is composed of two types of laws: the basic natural laws and the laws of morality. Basic natural laws are the laws that nature imposes on us based on our perception and understanding of the universe through our senses. On the other hand, moral laws are a set of authoritative universal laws that humans set on themselves based on their reasoning. Lying and breaking promises fall under moral laws. Kant saw all humans as deserving of what is morally right and saw them as capable of reasoning. From this, he drew his theory of categorical imperative. According to this, a man should reason out two things before committing an action. Firstly, they should ask themselves how humanity would turn out if everyone acted as they were about to. Secondly, they should also not use the possible result to justify their chosen course of action. Kant saw humanity as possessing the free will to do as it desired but believed that morality was a categorical imperative: to be adhered to despite one’s inner desire at all times ADDIN CSL_CITATION {“citationItems”:[{“id”:”ITEM-1″,”itemData”:{“DOI”:”10.1093/0199288836.001.0001″,”ISBN”:”9780191603648″,”abstract”:”This book contains chapters on various features of Kant’s moral psychology and moral theory, with particular emphasis on a conception of rational agency autonomy. The opening chapters explore different elements of Kant’s views about motivation, including an account of respect for morality as the distinctive moral motive and a view of the principle of happiness as a representation of the shared structure of non-moral choice. These chapters stress the unity of Kant’s moral psychology by arguing that moral and non-moral considerations motivate in essentially the same way. Several of the chapters develop an original approach to Kant’s conception of autonomy that emphasizes the political metaphors found throughout Kant’s writings on ethics. They argue that autonomy is best interpreted not as a psychological capacity, but as a kind of sovereignty: in claiming that moral agents have autonomy, Kant regards them as a kind of sovereign legislator with the power to give moral law through their willing. The final chapters explore some of the implications of this conception of autonomy elsewhere in Kant’s moral thought, arguing that his Formula of Universal Law uses this conception of autonomy to generate substantive moral principles and exploring the connection between Kantian self-legislation and duties to oneself.”,”author”:[{“dropping-particle”:””,”family”:”Reath”,”given”:”Andrews”,”non-dropping-particle”:””,”parse-names”:false,”suffix”:””}],”container-title”:”Agency and Autonomy in Kant’s Moral Theory: Selected Essays”,”id”:”ITEM-1″,”issued”:{“date-parts”:[[“2006″,”2″,”23″]]},”number-of-pages”:”1-288″,”publisher”:”Oxford University Press”,”title”:”Agency and Autonomy in Kant’s Moral Theory: Selected Essays”,”type”:”book”,”volume”:”9780199288830″},”uris”:[“http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=507a560b-60ce-35e2-999b-f4ed5d243c07″]}],”mendeley”:{“formattedCitation”:”(Reath)”,”plainTextFormattedCitation”:”(Reath)”,”previouslyFormattedCitation”:”(Reath)”},”properties”:{“noteIndex”:0},”schema”:”https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json”}(Reath).
Lying and breaking promises, according to the categorical imperative, is immoral. If everyone in the world lied to one another, the world would plunge into mayhem. People would not be able to have meaningful dealings with one another. Additionally, it would infringe on our rights to free choice since the information on which the choice is based is corrupted. The same goes for promise-breaking. If people were to break their promises, the intrinsic value and power a promise or an oath holds would be lost. According to Kant, even if lying or breaking a promise in a particular situation would result in a morally good outcome, it should still not be done. The ends do not justify the means.
In my opinion, Kant’s views on morality offer a simple enough yet perhaps too simplistic view on morality for the world’s liking. He offers a black and white system in a grey world where almost all actions could fall on either side of the morality scale given their context. Immoral acts do not occur within a vacuum. They are a byproduct of numerous decisions made by numerous people over time. Looking at immorality as Kant does therefore offers a two-dimensional view of a three-dimensional problem. This, however, raises the problem of how much context to give an act before deeming it either immoral or moral. I believe that people can lie or break their promises in cases where the end does indeed, justify the means. And not just any end, but a selfless end. If lying protects others from harm, then it is no longer an immoral but a moral act -despite satisfying only one of Kant’s criteria. For instance, lying to your recovering alcoholic friend that you no longer drink to give them moral support in their recovery journey is a moral act. It is a selfless lie committed to protect another.
Works Cited
ADDIN Mendeley Bibliography CSL_BIBLIOGRAPHY Reath, Andrews. “Agency and Autonomy in Kant’s Moral Theory: Selected Essays.” Agency and Autonomy in Kant’s Moral Theory: Selected Essays, vol. 9780199288830, Oxford University Press, 2006, doi:10.1093/0199288836.001.0001.
Most of the current research shows that, in the whole world, there are more than estimated one billion Christians.
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Introduction
Most of the current research shows that, in the whole world, there are more than estimated one billion Christians. Most of them belong to different denominations and independent churches, talking different languages. With such vast number of followers of Jesus Christ, and possibly much more, with various level of understanding of whom he was and what he wanted and advocated for.
It is in this context that Ken Kesey relates some of his work with Christianity, in the work one Flew over the Cuckoos Nest. He inserts some spiritual representation. Various opinions have been put forward for Kesey’s insertion of Christianity in the works, with some saying it was for Kesey’s own choice and a hint of personal thoughts and experience with Christ. However, it is not surprising that the spiritual model has brought an extra ordinary association between the readers and the novel. The similarity between the novel and Christ is enhanced as every person reading the novel finds an event, which they can relate to their lives. The similarity of character between Christ and Murphy is analyzed, and the outcome used in helping understand the themes.
Even for persons with little knowledge about Christianity, after reading the novel, it is remarkably easy to see the religious content in the novel. This connection is seen when McMurphy takes his patients to a fishing trip, as Chief Bromden says the twelve of them were led towards the ocean (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). This brings to mind Jesus Christ and the twelve disciples, even more astounding is that they have gone fishing. Just like in the bible Christ encouraged his disciples to be fishers of other men. Another obvious reference to the Bible is when McMurphy looses consciousness and ESP had to be administered. It is said his body is latched on the ground like a cross which is how Christ was crucified on the cross. Another reference to Christianity is noticed when McMurphy asks if he will get the thorn crown (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). This can be related to Christ when he was being crucified a crown made of thorns was put on his head. These last events can be related to Jesus Christ’s last days on earth; in Christianity Jesus Christ is betrayed by a disciple named Judas, and subsequently crucified. In Kesey’s novel, Billy Bibbit is the traitor by saying that McMurphy is the one responsible for the events of the previous night. As a result, McMurphy is sentenced to lobotomy, right after Billy Bibbit tells this to Nurse Ratched he cuts his throat and dies just like Judas from the Gospel who commits suicide by strangling himself.
Even though Billy Bibbit death caused uproar, Ratched goes ahead, and orders McMurphy to be lobotomized which is death in itself as McMurphy is not able to do anything. The numerous events in the novel, which imitate how Christ himself laid his own life for the sake of Christians, has connected people even more to the novel, as it reminds them of Christ’s life. The similarity between the life of Christ and McMurphy have attracted more readers, who want to know more about the implication of similarity and the outcome it has on Murphy’s character. He is so much like Christ (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). The various qualities that McMurphy Shares with Christ include, his capability to use his intelligence to ask questions, which could demoralize, and defy Nurse Ratched power. Christ was also ever asking questions which in themselves were defying the authority of his time, to prove to them every now and then that their actions were not right. McMurphy is the same, as it comes out in the whole novel where he questions everything he thinks is not being fair to him. Such as the reasons why the patients are not allowed to watch the world sports series, why the music should be played on a high volume, as if they all had hearing problems, and the reason why the toothpaste that they are supposed to use must be locked in the cabinets every morning. They were all adults who knew how they were supposed to use the tooth paste.
McMurphy was extraordinarily active in defying the authority by using witty questions, and it is not a surprise that he gained popularity, and the support of so many people further enhances this fact. McMurphy was exceedingly experienced at, weakening the authority of those who he thought were unfair like Ratched. The same way Christ was in weakening the authority of the time, McMurphy has authority inside him. He is brave, no matter whom he is talking to, and always says what is in his mind. This trait is seen the first time he walks into the ward, and demands to know who was responsible in the daily running of the place (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). In the room which is occupied by hardened criminals, he displays no fear by asking for the leader of the ward. This is the same power that Christ wielded whenever he was confronting those who went against Gods wish.
While McMurphy and Christ shares various qualities. The characteristic that stands out from the rest is, they both dedicated their lives to helping those people who surrounds them. Even if they were not his family, despite the fact, that McMurphy was no sincere and a schemer, especially while playing poker with the fellow patients. Deep down he always wanted the best for his fellow patients, He was a source of encouragement, to the other patients. He always told him they were not acutely sick as people thought (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). He was there to give the other patients hope, even when they were destined to fail. Just the same way Christ came to give hope to mankind and deliver them from the eternal fire. McMurphy was a person who was willing to help other patients who were in need without expecting to be paid in return. Christ in the gospel teachings agreed to be crucified, not that because he expected to be paid but, he did it in order to save mankind.
An incident, where McMurphy tries to teach the other patients is when they were in the tub having their bath; He talks of escaping from the ward, despite the other patients doubts he tries for along time to break free and fails, even so he tell the other patients after all he has tried (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). With that, he shows all other patients that no matter what the situation one is faced with, self belief and never ever giving up one can achieve anything. Another trait of McMurphy is portrayed is self sacrifice; there is a high possibility that McMurphy intentionally stayed behind rather than escaping with the prostitutes. Even though at the in his mind, he knew that he would be punished, McMurphy knew by not running away, he was sending a clear message to the other patients that they were strong enough to fight back. Eventually, he is lobotomized, and that enhanced his message to the other patients (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). McMurphy dies a truly happy man knowing that he has accomplished his duty. Just as Christ who died happily knowing that his death had saved mankind. McMurphy portrayed as Christ like person. The readers are allowed a deeper view of his character and his importance in the novel. Like Christ, he dies but, not in vain as his death brings redemption to those who he leaves behind.
As have been brought out above from the explanations, McMurphy and Christ are alike, although in their own unique way. Kesey brings out Murphy as a character whose traits, and life history is extremely much familiar to that of Christ does not suggest that the views are similar to Jesus view. Kenny is trying to bring out the picture that just like Jesus, Murphy is also radical, and it does not go down well with all people just as many people were not happy with Jesus. Many attacked the opinion and beliefs of Christ. The nurse was not happy with McMurphy not because he was wrong but, it is because he always took the decision that were radial, and was never afraid to tell what he felt like saying.
McMurphy frequently faulted the ostensibly subjective systems, and the astringent rules in the ward where he stayed. This habit of being defiant annoyed the nurse in charge. He tells of the nurse after he is not given the time to watch an ongoing world series. His constant challenging of the authority in charge brings out the theme that one can fight oppression. Both Murphy and Christ were brave enough to do things that were not regular the society. The fact that Murphy had an extremely difficult life at times; he always had his own way to counter his personal problems. Christ also had his own share of problems that he dealt with by praying, and ,on the other hand, McMurphy would laugh, and the magnificent humor helped him counter his problem as McMurphy was not as religious as Christ who would pray to his father to give him strength to help him overcome the many obstacles. This trait of McMurphy is witnessed while they were on fishing, and Bromden hurts his thumb, McMurphy laughs so loud, to help Bromden understand that at times laughing at something that hurts someone helps to keep one keep in balance (Dodd & Spaulding 2000). By using a character like McMurphy who shares more similar traits like that of Christ, the readers can see the reflection of Christ in McMurphy, and this draws them more to this Character.
Conclusion
The best works at times are like rock for one to get the minerals; it holds one has to dig through the rock. In Kesey’s work, he brings out Christ as the diamond that people have mistaken for a rock with no value, a few traits of Christ can be seen, although some few people can see the significance of Christ and how his presence changes the novels general outcome. But after cutting the tough surface and looking keenly at the text to see the various events of Christ life, the similarity of the character traits between McMurphy and Christ is evident, and it is this similarity that brings out the themes in the book. In that the jewel, which is the message, which Kesey is trying to bring out is found.
Work cited
Dodd, David G., and Diana Spaulding. The Grateful Dead reader. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print.
Admission essay Royal Holloway University of London.
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Admission essay: Royal Holloway, University of London.
My decision to choose the University of London’s Royal Holloway campus was fueled by many things. Among the most influential, was its close proximity to London – a major economic, cultural, and political hub in the increasingly dynamic global society. Royal Holloway is situated only 45 minutes from London by train meaning that the student is in close proximity to good examples and illustrations of the concepts garnered from academic activity at school. In addition, the chances of getting opportunities to apply what one has learnt are vast thanks to the close proximity to one of the world’s most influential cities.
Royal Holloway’s placement in close proximity to London also offers other advantages. The good infrastructural facilitation should assist prospective students in their studies given that London is home to one of the world’s most advanced rail, road, air, and telecommunications network. The ability to commute during research and academic tours as well as access sources of information, either remotely or physically, are greatly enhanced by this infrastructure.
The University of London is home to hundreds of thousands of students from varying religious, cultural, and social backgrounds. Coupled with its Royal Holloway campus positioning in close proximity to London – a city of more than 5 million inhabitants, this provides students with the opportunity to interact and learn from the different individuals. It also offers them with a sound appreciation of the diversity the world offers and prepares them for placement in different part of the fast-integrating, financial, academic, and professional world.
The University of London’s Royal Holloway campus provides superb facilities in term of student counseling, tutoring, mentorship and support. Accommodation advices are offered to enable new students settle quickly and integrate themselves into the academic lifestyle of their continuing counterparts. In addition, the teaching staff comprises of experienced professors, some of whom are world renown in their fields of expertise.
After completion of my high school studies in my country, I achieved the highest marks in my region and joined the local university for a Management course. After completing my undergraduate course and obtaining a first class honors degree in International Business, I joined an international corporation’s branch in the country for an 18 month management trainee program. However, soon after, I got an invite from the Royal Holloway to join their International Business MBA program a few weeks to the completion of my second year at the firm, where I had risen to the capacity of junior manager. I believe that the University of London’s Royal Holloway course augers well with my ambition of rising to the position of global vice president in charge of Africa at the firm I work for. It offers the best opportunity for me to develop a good set of competencies and skills necessary to propel me through my professional life, and achieve my vision.
As part of the African operations of an international organization, I have learnt the importance of cultural appreciation for multinationals in promoting organizational success. I would infuse the experience and concepts already picked from professional experience and marry them with the existing academic work in a manner that reflects the African cultural disposition. Africans are known as resilient people all over the world and their ability to thrive in the face of adversity, be it political or economic, is what I seek to project to my European counterparts at the school.
I am motivated by the current continental growth characterized by social, economic, and political growth in Africa. The rate at which the less privileged are being financially empowered motivates me to play my role as an aspiring head of a large international corporation – a good example of opportunity – to enhance the empowerment and facilitation of the same people. In addition, I participate in various charitable organizations aimed at providing education for orphans and the poor. This is my way of giving back to the community after having succeeded as part of the same people I seek to assist. I intend to return after completing my studies in the United Kingdom to resume my position in the multinational as well as charity work.