Comparing Philosophical Positions of Kant and of John Stuart Mill Essay

Comparing Philosophical Positions of Kant and of John Stuart Mill - Essay Example This research paper considers ideas of Kant and Mill and applies them for the issues of war in the modern global world. Utilitarianism of John Stuart Mill and Deontology of Kant can be compared and contrasted. In the modern context the main ideas of these great philosophers can be implemented in the context of modern political events. Whether there is a need for utilitarian morals and laws or whether it is much important to focus on individual values–these considerations are provided by Kant and Mill. Mill’s Utilitarianism. Mill developed the Greatest Happiness Principle, which he explains in the following way: â€Å"†¦ the ultimate end †¦ is an existence exempt as far as possible from pain, and as rich as possible in enjoyments, both in point of quantity and quality; †¦ to the greatest extent possible, secured to all mankind; and not to them only, but, so far as the nature of things admits, to the whole sentient creation† (Lectures on Mill). These considerations are appropriate for the modern global society. Mill mentions â€Å"all mankind†, â€Å"the whole sentient creation† . He applies global concepts for his considerations and these are relevant to the modern global society. The main operating category of Mill is consequentialism. He thinks that all rational beings should be subjected to equal moral laws and principles, but in case the nation was be oppressed by those principles, it would not accept them. Current political situation in the world can be analyzed with respect to Mill’s consequentialism. He said that all nations are striving for freedom. A nation is turned into a group of dummies in case they are not looking forward to liberty. A behavior of Americans in the Iraqi war can be analyzed with respect to Mill’s claims. Mill underlined that it is necessary to discard â€Å"despotism of custom† (Moseley, 2002). Every individual should have his own system of benefits, but it is mo re important for the society to have a group of sound members or individuals with clearly set goals. From this perspective Americans are positioned as great freedom setters in an oppressed nation (Moseley, 2002). It is inhumane to prevent people from freedom of thinking and the suppressors, in such a way, hide truth from their nations. Freedom is very important for people in the modern world. It is impossible to develop without it. Categorical Imperative of Kant This categorical imperative of Kant outlines similar positions for every individual. He claims that: The universal laws of nature should be met by individuals, who should act on maxims to meet requirements of the nature. Every individual is a sound human being and he should be treated with respect. An individual in every society should act as if he was â€Å"a member of an ideal kingdom of ends in which you were both subject and sovereign at the same time† (Williams, 1983). Thus, Kant underlines that independent actio ns of every individual are very important for the whole society. At the same time, individuals should refer to social, historical and many other external factors in their nations and to respect them. Furthermore, reflections of Kant can be illustrated by Four Quadrant Module: Picture 1. Four Quadrant Module. In such a way, the philosopher underlines the importance of social independence. In Quadrant One an individual is positioned as a potential benefits’ gainer. In Quadrant Two an individual should work in the name of social benefits or for â€Å"a common good†. Quadrant three makes an emphasis on the importance of independence. Quadrant four is focused on autonomy and interdependence between the individuals (Moseley, 2002). Therefore, oppressed nations, like in the case of Iraq, should be relieved otherwise the individuals of the nation will be unable to

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 11

English - Essay Example Following her introduction to this organization during a stay in Europe, Clara Barton was the sole advocate for starting Red Cross chapters in America. She often stood alone in this quest. But standing alone for something she believed in was not a new experience for Clara Barton. Her first job in Washington D.C. was a clerk in the patent office, where she worked side-by-side with men. She caused scandal by being so proficient in her labors that her boss rewarded her with the same pay as her male co-workers. This made Clara Barton the target of what we would refer to today as sexual harassment (Stivers). She stood up to her male detractors and earned the respect of her boss. This was an incredible achievement and required a lot of dedication and persuasion during this period of time. She was given the title â€Å"Angel of the Battle Field† because she took care of the wounded soldiers during Civil War. She served on some of the bloodiest battlefields, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Petersburg and the Battle of the Wilderness (Oates). She risked everything, including her own life to care for the injured and dying soldiers she tended to. This shows her selfless attitude towards other human beings. She did not even care for her own life because she was so dedicated to serving others. Clara Barton was a very human individual, however. She was not perfect in her interactions with others and in her personal relationships. Some feel that par of her drive to succeed and accomplish great things was rooted in the fact that she was often given to bouts of depression when she was not fighting for a cause (Burton). This depression did not keep her from greatness. In 1861 Clara Barton, she was appointed as the Superintendent of Nurses and in the year 1869 she again served the soldiers in the Franco- Prussian War. The year 1873 saw her return to United States where she began to organize the Red Cross. It took almost seven years for her to start the Red