Introduction
Immanuel Kant was a deontological German Philosopher who believed; "If an offender has committed murder, he must die. In this case no possible substitute can satisfy justice. For there is no parallel between death and even the most miserable life." He believed that we should not blindly follow God's command as the morality is independent of God's will. He believed that morality is only based on feelings and consequences although the morality of an action should be decided on the intention and his maxim on the topic is that "every crime deserves a punishment of equal severity."
Arguments for and against The Death Penalty
Many people believe The Death Penalty is the right thing so become involved with it. However it all comes down to the lawyers and their morality to speak the truth and argue for or against the client. When family and friends know the victim of the crime is guilty, may feel proud and moral in hiring a lawyer to make sure the victim is sentenced to death. All members who get money from involvement in The Death Penalty are carrying out their job with good will to keep the community safe. If all party's were acting towards The Death Penalty with good will Immanuel Kant would believe it is moral.
However:
In most cases, a lawyer is hired to try and prove the victim innocent, whether it is guilty or not. This is unknown but immoral in Kant's eyes. Also, if someone was killed in an act of defence, the victim might not be believed. The family and friends of the victim might know that they are guilty but due to selfish reasons will hire a lawyer to prove them innocent. Kant would also believe that involvement in the death penalty can be immoral. This is because people are killing people just for money, not for justice or honour. Although Kant would believe that the Death Penalty is moral, he would be able to identify the criticisms.
However:
In most cases, a lawyer is hired to try and prove the victim innocent, whether it is guilty or not. This is unknown but immoral in Kant's eyes. Also, if someone was killed in an act of defence, the victim might not be believed. The family and friends of the victim might know that they are guilty but due to selfish reasons will hire a lawyer to prove them innocent. Kant would also believe that involvement in the death penalty can be immoral. This is because people are killing people just for money, not for justice or honour. Although Kant would believe that the Death Penalty is moral, he would be able to identify the criticisms.
The method of Kantian Ethics
To decide an action, Kant believes in two imperatives, the Hypothetical and Categorical.
Hypothetical Imperative- You need to follow this imperative if you wish to achieve a certain goal and always using the word "if". However, Kant says that these will not help us be good people.
Categorical Imperative- These are moral commands and are not dependant or personal desires. they are unconditional and give us obligation, regardless of the concequence. These apply to everyone and do not begin with the term, "if."
Hypothetical Imperative- You need to follow this imperative if you wish to achieve a certain goal and always using the word "if". However, Kant says that these will not help us be good people.
Categorical Imperative- These are moral commands and are not dependant or personal desires. they are unconditional and give us obligation, regardless of the concequence. These apply to everyone and do not begin with the term, "if."
Positives and Negative of Kantian Ethics
The ethic has many strengths. The theory is consistent and never contradicts itself. The theory is simple so it does not confuse people and does not argue against any religious views or stories. Although, the ethic has many weaknesses. For example, Good can be lied about by a lawyer, a family and the criminal themselves. One also may do something bad for a good reason, such as killing a person who only you knew killed your best friend.
Conclusion
Due to Kant's simpleness and that he doesn't contradict himself, it is a very useful ethic. It is impossible to say whether Kant would agree with The Death Penalty, there is a more likelihood that he would. He believed in "an eye for an eye" and that death was the only punishment which would balance murder.