Mid Term Exam, Ethics 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mid Term Exam, Ethics 1 - Essay Example This is the main feature of the ethical theories of Immanuel Kant. The most famous ethical theory of Kant is Categorical Imperative. This theory calls for evaluation of one’s action according to certain rules and guidelines or maxims. The main elements of the theory include universality which calls for acting in a manner which will not hurt or displease the acting person if the same act is made a universal law. Any action, under Kant’s ethical theory, should be judged not on the basis of consequences it brings but on the basis of the nature of the action. For example, Kant would not allow a person to lie even if this action results in collective good of the society because lying is not an ethical behavior itself. This is the main feature of Kant’s ethical theory. Focus on principles and guidelines are also important part of Kant’s ethical theory. An action is principally good or bad and consequences or other elements have nothing to do with the rightness and wrongness of any action. The principle on which the action is carried out is the main focus of evaluation in Kant’s ethical theory. Kant’s ethical theory differs from other important ethical theories because it focuses on actions and treats an action as an end in itself. The act is important for Kant and not its consequences. This is the main difference between the ethical approach of Kant and other ethical theories. The ethical theories of Kant can be applied to modern policing practices. There are many ways in which modern police can improve its practices based on Kant’s ethical theories. Kant stressed on treating actions as an end in itself and not just as means. Police can also apply this theory to its practice by following due process. Sometimes police can be tempted to break the law and focus on the consequences of their actions. This is how modern policing practices can learn from Kant’s ethical theories. Police should also act in a way according to the guidelines which if