Kant Moral Law Theory Essay Example for Free

Kant Moral Law Theory Essay â€Å"Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe the oftener and more steadily we reflect on them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.† – Kant (1788), pp, 193, 259 Immanuel Kant introduced and initiated his ‘moral law theory’ in the late 18th century. The doctrine in question sought to establish and constitute a supreme or absolute principle of morality. Kant disputes the existence of an ‘ethical system’, whereby moral obligations are obligations of ‘purpose’ or ‘reason’. The accuracy of actions [i.e. the rightness or wrongness of an individual deed] is determined by its configuration and conformity with regard to ‘moral law’. Evidently, according to Kant, an immoral transaction is invariably contemplated as an illogical or unreasonable occurrence or action. The supreme moral principle is a consistent working criterion that proves to be practically helpful and theoretically enlightening when used by rational agents as a guide for making personal choices (Kant VI). A supreme guiding moral principle must carry with it an absolute necessity and be done out of duty to the moral law in order to be free from corruption. Kant believed in a fair and impartial law. He accredited and affirmed the presence of an objective moral law that we, as humans, were/are able to identify with through the process of reasoning. Kant argued that we are able to recognise and distinguish moral law, without making reference to the possible consequence or outcome. Immanuel Kant declared a differentiation between statements [i.e. posteriori and priori] that he believed to coincide with moral law. A posteriori statement is one that is based on experience of the material world. In opposition, a priori statement requires no such knowledge; it is known independent of the phenomenal world. Furthermore, Kant continued to make additional distinctions with regard to analytic and synthetic statements. An analytic statement, he claims, is one that by its very nature is necessarily true, as the predicate is included within the definition of the subject. Example: – [â€Å"all squares have four sides†]. The previous statement is of an analytic nature, as the predicate, i.e. the square having four sides, is implicit and is part of the definition of the subject – [â€Å"square†]. An analytic statement is necessarily true – true by its own authority, and is purely explicative, as it tells us nothing new about the subject. In contrast, a synthetic statement is one in which the predicate is not included in the definition of the subject, and thus is not necessarily true. A synthetic statement also tells us something new about the subject. Prior to Kant, it was widely accepted that there were only two types of statement: a priori analytic and a posteriori synthetic. Kant accepted these two statements although believed there to be a third: a priori synthetic statement. These are statements that are known independent of experience that may or may not be true. Kant claimed that these priori synthetic principles are inherent within us and therefore subsequently form the basis of all moral decision making. Kant’s theory is based on and is primarily concerned with the aspect of ‘duty’. Kant believed and promoted the notion that to act morally is one’s ‘duty’, and one’s ‘duty’ is to act and proceed in accordance to the principles of moral law. Due to this, Kant’s theory is categorised and distinguished as a ‘deontological argument’. A deontological theory is one that maintains the moral rightness or wrongness of an action and depends on its fundamental qualities, and is independent of the nature of its consequence – â€Å"Duty for duty’s sake†. This perspective can be viewed in contrast to the beliefs and ‘rules’ associated and belonging to teleological arguments, i.e. utilitarianism. Immanuel Kant argued that moral requirements are based on a standard of rationality he dubbed the â€Å"Categorical Imperative. The categorical imperative has derived from the initial belief and notion that humans base their moral judgment on pure reason alone. This view can be viewed in contrast to a ‘morality theory’, which assumed/s that human’s actions are guided by emotions or desires. Example: When deciding what I ought to say to a friend who is distraught. Rationale would dictate that I give sensible advice, whereas my emotions may impulsively tell me to give comfort and sympathy. The categorical imperative declares and differentiates between obligatory and forbidden actions, and places further emphasis on the notion of ‘duty’. This statement can be strengthened through the following quotation – [â€Å"All in imperatives command either hypothetically or categorically†¦ If the action would be good simply as a means to something else, then the imperative is hypothetical; but if the action is represented as a good in itself†¦ then the imperative is categorical.†]. Example: If someone tells me that they will buy me dinner if I give them a lift into town, then this is a conditional action and would fall into the hypothetical imperative category. Conversely, if I think that I should give my friend a lift into town with no other agenda (i.e. she will not buy me dinner because of it), then this is a categorical imperative because it is independent of my interest and could apply to other people as well as myself. There are three principles of the categorical imperative: * Universal law; * Treat humans as ends in themselves; * Act as if you live in a kingdom of ends. 1. The categorical imperative is [â€Å"Do not act on any principle that cannot be universalised†]. In other words, moral laws must be applied in all situations and all rational beings universally, without exception. 2. [â€Å"Act that you treat humanity, both in your own person and in the person of every other human being, never merely as a means, but always at the time as an end.†] – The previous statement declares that we must never treat people as means to an end. You can never use human beings for another purpose, to exploit or enslave them. Humans are rational and the highest point of creation, and so demand unique treatment. 3. The quotation [â€Å"So act as if you were through your maxim a law-making member of a Kingdom of ends†] states Kant’s belief in the fact that humans should behave as though every other individual was an ‘end’. In conclusion, it is arguable that the categorical imperative possesses a sense of authority with regard to what actions are permitted and forbidden under Kant’s moral law theory.

Women in Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing and Taming of the Shrew E

During the early modern period, despite Queen Elizabeth’s powerful rule in the mid-sixteenth century, women in England had very few social, economic, and legal rights. According to the British system of coverture, a married man and wife became one person under the law, thus, â€Å"all the legal rights and responsibilities a woman had when she was single transferred to her husband upon marriage† (McBride-Stetson 189). Additionally, once married, the entirety of a woman’s property and wages came under the husband’s control; thus, in essence, women became the responsibility and property of their husbands (McBride-Stetson 189). Shakespeare, through his writings, illustrates the early modern period’s obsession with maintaining the legal subordination of women through marriage. Shakespeare’s leading lady in The Taming of the Shrew severely contrasts her obedient and demure sister and, in doing so, transcends the gender roles appropriated to her and , thus, must be tamed. In contrast, Much Ado About Nothing’s Hero plays the role of the ideal early modern woman until the nature of her chastity comes into question. Despite the fundamental differences between the characters of these two women, the financial and object-based language used to describe women as well as the institution of marriage in The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing demonstrate the early modern period’s view of women as pieces of property. The play introduces Petruccio as Katherine’s potential suitor before Petruccio, in fact, meets Katherine; however, Petruccio asserts, â€Å"I have thrust myself into this maze/ Happily to wive and thrive as I may† (1.2.52-53). Interestingly, Petruccio lists â€Å"wiving† as his first goal, followed by â€Å"thriving.† In a sense, the ... ...r to that of property and subject to male control. Clearly, the study of these plays serve as prime examples in demonstrating the effect of British common law during the early modern period as well as depicting the society’s anxieties in regards to maintaining the ultimate upper-hand in regards to women’s rights, or, lack thereof. Although Hero is, for the most part, painted as a virtuous character throughout Much Ado About Nothing, the question of her virtue is not only known to be a false-accusation to the audience, but her chastity is quickly restored at the end of the play. Likewise, Petruccio is able to remedy Katherine’s shrewish behavior into that of a young lady. Clearly, the plots of these plays as well as the repeated associations between women and one’s property overtly demonstrate a societal desire to maintain a sense of power and domination over women.

British IRA Interrogation

The increase of success of the west cork Brigade, part of the Irish republican Army was the leading factor to a spate of arresting and interrogating the suspects if the IRA volunteers in an effort to identify and ascertain the headquarters of those who were engaging in the guerilla war against the forces of the British. Through interrogation the British managed to break the IRA volunteers through torturing and this lead to discovering that the forces headquarters was in Ballymurphy.After discovering this, British army planned for an operation aimed at capturing the IRA column. This lead to mobilizing of more than 1200 British troops to attack the area from different directions. The operation was done early in the morning to attack the IRA unaware; this was thought to lead British to victory for there were about ten British commanders for one IRA member. As the British tried to encircle the IRA, they were caught by surprise as the IRA was aware of the British plans and they attacked a t the crossbarry roads which lead to having many British casualties.The IRA took British arms and set their vehicles on fire before they were attacked by other British troops but did not succeed even after stiff fire fight and they all retired. Impact of British actions to IRA in bringing peace to Northern Ireland The IRA had structural plans that were governing them through their endeavors. It was evident that the republican were to remain anonymous to every one except the members. No one could talk about the army and this made it hard to uncover the whole truth about the army’s missions and their plans.As their rules had restricted them not to talk about the army in public, not discuss anything concerning the army with anyone, not to go in a company of a known member and not to frequent to the houses of a known member, and the top most issue was not to drink alcohol excessively as this would lead to loose mouth and would reveal the republicans secrets. The army volunteers w ere made to believe that the army was legal and justified. They were taught that that was the only way to proclaim democracy in the whole Ireland.Commitment to the movement was legal and was the only way out to struggle for political justification and is a direct representative of the Dail Eirean parliament and by that was a legal and lawful government of the Irish republic and has right to pass law and to claim jurisdiction over the land, airspace, means of production all its people regardless of creed or loyalty. (Coogan, 1997) This impacted a negative attitude to the IRA members and the people of Ireland in an effort to bring peace.These beliefs made the British have difficulties in trying to restore peace in the country as they were regarded as intruders and were there for their own benefit. This is because the army had claimed to the sovereign government of Ireland and had all the rights to act in any capacity as a government. As the recruits were taught that British army, RUC, UDR and Gardai are occupying forces, were illegal and were completely unacceptable for that was morally wrong, ethnically inexcusable and politically unacceptable.Through the strengthening of these believes, the IRA members were completely resistance to the British armies in their efforts of any form in Ireland. (Hopkinson, 2003) IRA PREPARATION OF RECRUITS The IRA prepares their recruits in a distinctive manner. The recruits are taught on their importance to one another. This helps bonding together the recruits from different back grounds to strengthen the movement bond. As they are recruited they are motivated even they face harsh conditions should persevere for the sake of their nation.The IRA is form of ethnic terrorist seeking to influence the Irish people to reject the British governance. As usual to the ethnic terrorist, according to Byman (1997) they seek to create fear among the rival groups or armies by performing terrorist attacks and moderate movements. The recruitment of the army means entering in your total allegiance in life. This helps the movement to retain the recruited volunteers for they have to obey the commands and the rules set forth for the organization.The IRA recruits are forced to believe whatever allegation is put forward for them and strictly follow the rules. The recruits are trained to persevere any form of hardship they face during their work as armies until they combat the target group. Nationalism is another force that was driving the recruits. They were from all corners of the country and were much concerned over fighting for their nation. This aspect had more power as far as recruits were concerned over the belief system.On the other hand, nationalism can also display the general characteristic of a belief system by providing the recruits with adequate information and equipping their mind with an issue that they are to fight for their nation. (Hopkinson, 2003) Conclusion IRA movement was determined in salvaging the Ireland from the hands of British rule. The British solders effort to combat the IRA guerilla were rendered fruitless for the IRA was always ready for the attack even though they were less in number compared to British solders.The IRA recruits were equipped in their minds that the movement was legal and morally right to fight the intruders whore were settled in the country for their own good. The IRA movement sought to influence to moderators and other ethnic groups to reject the British governance. They were to follow strict rules to ensure the safety and welfare of the movements. Reference: Byman, D. (1997) The logic of Ethnic Terrorism, Washington DC, Rand Coogan, T. (1997) The IRA, New York, Palgrave Macmillan Hopkinson, M. (2003) Irish War of Independence, Journal, Vol

The History of the Zipper and How It Became Mainstream

It was a long way up for the humble zipper, the mechanical wonder that has kept our lives together in many ways. The zipper was invented with the work of several dedicated inventors, though none convinced the general public to accept the zipper as part of everyday life. It was the magazine and fashion industry that made the novel zipper the popular item it is today. Bettmann Archive / Getty Images The story begins when Elias Howe, Jr.  (1819–1867), inventor of the sewing machine, who received a patent in 1851 for an Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure. It didnt go much further beyond that, though. Perhaps it was the success of the sewing machine, that caused Elias not to pursue marketing his clothing closure system. As a result, Howe missed his chance to become the recognized Father of the Zip. Forty-four years later, inventor Whitcomb Judson (1846–1909) marketed a Clasp Locker device similar to system described in the 1851 Howe patent. Being first to market, Whitcomb got credit for being the inventor of the zipper. However, his 1893 patent did not use the word zipper.   The Chicago inventors Clasp Locker was a complicated hook-and-eye shoe fastener. Together with businessman Colonel Lewis Walker, Whitcomb launched the Universal Fastener Company to manufacture the new device. The clasp locker debuted at the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair and was met with little commercial success. Gideon Sundbà ¤ck / Public domain / via Wikimedia Commons It was a Swedish-born electrical engineer named Gideon Sundback (1880–1954) whose work helped make the zipper the hit it is today. Originally hired to work for the Universal Fastener Company, his design skills and a marriage to the plant-managers daughter Elvira Aronson led to a position as head designer at Universal. In his position, he improved the far from perfect Judson C-curity Fastener. When Sundbacks wife died in 1911, the grieving husband busied himself at the design table.  By December of 1913, he came up with what would become the modern zipper. Gideon Sundbacks new-and-improved system increased the number of fastening elements from four per inch to 10  or 11, had two facing-rows of teeth that pulled into a single piece by the slider and increased the opening for the teeth guided by the slider. His patent for the Separable Fastener was issued in 1917.   Sundback also created the manufacturing machine for the new zipper. The S-L or scrapless machine took a special Y-shaped wire and cut scoops from it, then punched the scoop dimple and nib and clamped each scoop on a cloth tape to produce a continuous zipper chain. Within the first year of operation, Sundbacks zipper-making machine was producing a few hundred feet of fastener per day. Naming the Zipper The popular zipper name came from the B. F. Goodrich Company, which decided to use Sundbacks fastener on a new type of rubber boots or galoshes. Boots and tobacco pouches with a zippered closure were the two chief uses of the zipper during its early years. It took 20 more years to convince the fashion industry to seriously promote the novel closure on garments. In the 1930s, a sales campaign began for childrens clothing featuring zippers. The campaign advocated zippers as a way to promote self-reliance in young children as the devices made it possible for them to dress in self-help clothing.   The Battle of the Fly A landmark moment happened in 1937 when the zipper beat the button in the Battle of the Fly. French fashion designers raved over the use of zippers in mens trousers and Esquire magazine declared the zipper the Newest Tailoring Idea for Men. Among the zippered flys many virtues was that it would exclude The possibility of unintentional and embarrassing disarray.   The next big boost for the zipper came when devices that open on both ends arrived, such as on jackets. Today the zipper is everywhere and is used  in clothing, luggage, leather goods and countless other objects. Thousands of zipper miles are produced daily to meet the needs of consumers, thanks to the early efforts of the many famous zipper inventors. Sources and Further Information Federico, P.J. The Invention and Introduction of the Zipper. Journal of the Patent Office Society 855.12 (1946).  Friedel, Robert. Zipper: An Exploration in Novelty. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 1996.  Judson, Whitcomb L. Clasp locker or unlocker for shoes. Patent 504,038. U.S. Patent Office, August 29, 1893.