Why is Breaking a Promise or Lying Immoral?

Critical Thinking
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Critical Thinking Topic C Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a German philosopher central to the development of modern philosophy. His works ranged from epistemology, metaphysics to ethics and aesthetics. This essay is focused on ethics which "involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior." Kant's contribution to ethics is mostly synonymous with his absolute prohibition against lying. Lying is considered an act of purposefully deceiving someone or an assertion believed to be false. According to Kant, lying is wrong even if the action brings more happiness than the alternative. He is consistent with his absolute disdain for actions that go against perceived morality. To him, lying should be prohibited just as other severe actions such as theft and murder. Kant proposes asking the following questions before deciding to act; can I rationally will that everyone act as I propose to act? Does my action respect human beings' goals? If the answer is no, one should refrain from performing the task (Byrd & Hruschka, 2005). Kant's theory can be categorized as a deontological moral theory. This type of theory suggests that actions are good or bad based on a clear set of rules. To Kant, the rules were supreme principles of morality, also known as the categorical imperative. These are commands that are attached to one's duty, for instance, "pay your taxes!" However, this line of thinking brings up the question of where the line is drawn. How would individuals know they are acting correctly and that their intentions are morally right, not desire-driven? I am reluctant to agree with Kant's reasoning because his theory is confusing. Kant uses categorical imperative as a universalization test for moral permissibility. However, the theory is abstract and is not easily applicable in real-life situations. The theory is evident on the right and wrong things to do; however, it does not offer advice on the right thing to do in certain situations. This line of thinking is all and good if people can subscribe to the rules and act accordingly. However, people rarely act based on their duty and always have expectations or play an angle beneficial to them. Therefore, this universal maxim does not apply to solving complicated moral dilemmas. To me, Kantian ethics has more weaknesses than its strengths. The idea ...