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In Chapter 6, in the section entitled "Persons Shouldn't be Used as Tools," there is a discussion of the second instantiation (formulation) of the categorical imperative. In this discussion, the notion of treating people merely as a means to an end is discussed. An example of the person who bags your groceries is used to illustrate how a person may and may not be treated as a means to an end. The text then tells us when "the danger arises" with regards to when we begin to treat the person immorally.

Which of the following is the best answer that illustrates in what way and when we are in danger of treating a person immorally, treating them as a means to an end?

A. If people are working together or they are doing a job, then there is not an issue regarding treating people as a means to an end.
B. Anytime someone benefits from someone else's work, they are treating that person as a means to an end, which is immoral.
C. If we respect people only for what they do but do not compensate them for their work, then they are being treated as a means to an end.
D. If we stop respecting people for what they do and reduce them in our minds to mere tools for our comfort and success, then we are treating them as a means to an end.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer

Final answer:

Kant's second formulation of the categorical imperative emphasizes treating people as ends, not just as means, to respect individuals' inherent worth and dignity.


Explanation:

Treating people as ends and means:
According to Kant's second formulation of the categorical imperative, it is immoral to treat people merely as a means to an end. One is in danger of treating a person immorally when they cease to respect the individual’s inherent worth and reduce them to tools for their own gain. This occurs when individuals are not treated as ends in themselves, but solely as a means to achieve the goals of others.

Example of treating people as ends and means:
When hiring a plumber, who fixes your pipes in exchange for payment, you are using their skills as a means to fulfill your end of fixing the pipes. However, as long as you compensate the plumber fairly and respect their dignity, you are also treating them as an end, advancing their goal of earning a living.

Limitations of treating people as means:
One challenge to Kant's theory is that certain morally wrong actions, like neglecting the environment or failing to care for the deceased, may not directly involve treating individuals as mere means. This raises questions about the comprehensiveness of the categorical imperative in guiding all moral duties.


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