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Philosophy of the Human Person

Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher was lived between 1724 and 1804. He is

regarded as one of the most important thinkers of the enlightenment period and the greatest

western philosopher of all times. Mainly his works on ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics had a

significant influence on other philosophers. In one of his theories that he developed as a result of

enlightenment rationalism his arguments were based on the view that intrinsically good, this is

good will. Further, he argued that an action can only be good if its maxim. Moreover, Kant

argued that human beings should not be treated as a means to an end and their own motives must

be respected.

The reasons for doing things matter. Kant believed that certain types of actions such as

lying, murder, and theft were prohibited even in cases where they would bring more happiness

than the alternatives. Kant argued that all humans are worthy of respect regardless of where they

live who they are then it would be wrong to treat them as instruments of happiness. For instance,

if an individual defends human right on the grounds of respecting, then he or she will maximize

the utility in the long run. In this case, the reason for respecting human rights is not to recognize

people who hold the human rights but to make things better for every person. This indicates that

the reasons for doing things matter as they affect the outcomes of any activity.

There are several factors that reasons for doing things matter. Firstly, little things shape

character. A character of an individual is formed on both small and big choices that they make

each day. Primarily, when an individual decides to do what is right every chance he or she gets he
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or she is likely to stand by his principles even when pressure is high. Secondly, doing thing

determine the future. Doing activities makes an individual perfect in the things he or she is trying

to make possible. The things people engage in defines their path, and consequently, the path

determines their failure or success. Thirdly doing things expands people influence. The sphere of

influence of an individual is aching for little encouragement. This means that a person holds

power to build other people up or bring them down.

Kant believes that things matter for several reasons. Firstly, morality, things that people

engage on must have genuine moral worth and should be done from duty. This helps in making

sure that people do things that do not infringe the rights of other people. Further, genuine moral

makes sure that the individual taking part in the activity take the notion of make sure everything

is done within the law and does not result to any undue influence to other people affecting their

peace.

Kant mainly looked at the human rights to further his augment of morality, and he argued

that it is wrong to treat people as instruments of happiness. Secondly, Kant believed that an

action done from duty does not achieve moral value through it but maxim. This means that a

person must give a reason why they act in a certain way. Moreover, the moral value of people

does not depend on whether the intended purpose was achieved or not but on the principle of

will.

Thirdly, duty is crucial to act in a way that is out of respect of the law. The action of an

individual his or her own and other people should respect their decisions. Moreover, other people

cannot respect any preference or want. Other people cannot love someone else’s favourable

things. Therefore, an actions moral value does not lie on the effects expected from it or the

principle of the deed that mainly motivates it. This is because of the expected outcome. Primarily,

all the expected results are something agreeable, happiness for others, and the will of rational
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being can be found only by such will. When an individual act by such a principle then it is argued

that the concept of moral goodness is present in him and is evident in his actions.

I agree with the argument made by Kant in support of the claims. This is because his

arguments are mainly based morality and happiness. His arguments are in such a way that they

are geared toward making life better for everyone. For instance, he argues all human should be

respected regardless of their class and position in the society. Further, he states that if an action

does not result in happiness for other people, then it is not worthwhile.

Additionally, he says that specific actions such as lying, stealing, and murder should be

prohibited regardless of whether they bring a certain degree of happiness to the individual as they

will cause pain and sadness to other people. Furthermore, Kant presents his ideas in such a way

that everybody can understand as they are open. His arguments are based on fact and truth that

supports the well-being of people. Not only his arguments are interested in morality and

happiness for all but also making sure that people live in harmony. He further argues that the goal

of humanity is achieving perfect virtue and happiness and also believed that there is life after

death. In one of his arguments, he states that conscience indicates the existence of the objective

moral truth. This shows that people make decisions that are well informed and their actions will

not cause pain to other people.

In conclusion, Kant made some important arguments in support of morality and

happiness. In his discussions, Kant mainly advocated for good life of all people. He further states

that if an action is not moral and does not bring happiness to other people is not a worthwhile

undertaking. Primarily, the reason for doing thing matters as they affect other people. The reasons

why things matter according to Kant include morality, doing things determine the future, and

doing things expands people influence. Kant has had a significant impact on philosophy and other

philosophers especially through his works on ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics.