Final Exam Essay Question

Question 1

Healthcare Ethics

Answer 1

Kantian deontology would place a high value on the autonomy and dignity of patients when evaluating healthcare ethics. It would be morally wrong to lie to a patient regardless of the actions that will occur as a result. Every patient should be presented with informed consent so that they can make the best decision for themselves.

Question 2

Abortion & Euthanasia

Answer 2

Kantian deontology would reject abortion regardless of the circumstances. Because Katian’s view fetuses as rational beings, abortion is viewed as an action that uses a being as a means to an end. Similarly, Kantians would also reject euthanasia. This is due to the fact that Kantians believe that there is a moralduty to preserve life regardless of the circumstances.

Question 3

Biotechnology

Answer 3

Kantians are skeptical of the use of biotechnology, taking on the bio-conservatism approach. There is a very fine line when it comes to biotechnology, and it can be viewed as exploitive when using individuals for experimentation, which could be an issue for Kantians because violates the dignity and wellbeing of an individual. This is especially applicable for enhancement treatments, as these are meant to alter individuals.

Question 4

Sexual Morality

Answer 4

Kantians would view sexual acts as morally permissible, as long as the other individual has provided consent and is not being used as a tool for pleasure. If not, this violates the Kantians categorical imperative of humanity that emphasizes that you must not treat an individual as a means to an end. Casual sex/relationships are rejected by Kantians because it enables individuals to be treated as a means to an end.

Question 5

Economic Justice

Answer 5

Kantians believe that workers should be treated equally and would argue that economic structures should not exploit or violate the dignity of individuals. Most would argue that wealth should be distributed in a manner that still allows individuals to be autonomous and make decisions for their own well-being.

Question 6

Global Justice

Answer 6

Kantians would say that wealthy nations have a moral duty to provide aid to poorer nations, as this upholds the value that all beings have intrinsic worth. They would also argue that it is morally wrong to assist these nations for ulterior motives like using resources, which would violate the categorical imperative of humanity by using individuals as a means to an end. In the eyes of Kantians, providing aid would be an imperfects duty for the beneficence of others.