Do we have a duty to intervene in conflicts around the world? Why or why not? Use Kant/vices to answer this question.
Kant argues that human being has the capability of knowing what it right as well as the capability of willing to do it (Kant 149). Conflict around the world is not a good thing; however, intervening to stop is a good deed. As such, as a human being, we feel the urge to do what is right, which is to stop it. Additionally, stopping the conflict does not yield pleasure to the person doing it; nonetheless, they have an imperative obligation as rational being to intervene. There are several reasons to justify why we should stop the conflict around the world as indicated by Kant.
Firstly, we are rational and moral being and hence we would wish our actions be the universal principles. Intervening in a global conflict is a moral and rational action, and thus, the individual intervening would wish the actions made universal. This proves the essence of intervening. On the other hand, doing nothing and witnessing the conflict graduate to wars with the loss of life would not be the wish of a rational being as was the case with the international community in Rwanda Genocide (United Human Rights Council). Additionally, stopping conflict has an element of good will, that is, it is good in itself and doing otherwise may bring suffering to the victims of the conflict. Kant advises the beings to pursue good will, which confirms that we should intervene in the global conflicts. Kant also states that as a rational being, we should not treat ourselves and other solely as means but also as ends in ourselves. Therefore, stopping global conflict should be viewed as an end means and the ultimate peace and coexistent need to be seen as leading to the kingdom of ends. Therefore, as a human being, we have a moral obligation to intervene in conflicts to create peace and coexistence amongst us.
Finally, Kant argues that all human being has intrinsic worth by the virtue of being human. As such, we all have rights, dignity as well as moral value. About the global conflict, the afflicted have value, dignity, and human worth. Therefore, we should intervene to ensure that these values are enjoyed by all regardless of their fate. Notably, in conflict, one party or community view the other as less worth and nondeserving, which is against the Kant view on human beings. Clearly, following the points presented, a human being should be willing and able to stop conflicts to help all the being enjoy the rights and have the deserved dignity.
In the strict terms, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights entails both the legal and cultural aspects of efforts to protect all human beings across the globe. This declaration has important roles in making sure that human being coexists peacefully in any part of the world. Particularly, the declaration helped in solving the conflicts in Rwanda due to its expansiveness and practicality of the issues discussed therein. Firstly, the declaration serves the purpose of instilling equality and inalienable rights freedom, peace and justice. Therefore, all the communities entangled in conflict come to the realization that they are entitled to justice and freedom. This pushes them to dialogue and solves their differences amicably. It shortens the conflict resolution and minimizes loss of life.
Additionally, the declaration acts as a bridge to enlighten the masses on the essence of the tribunal at their respective countries. As such, the conflicting parties/communities appreciate the importance of justice system in facilitating human rights as well as referencing on the constitution when taking any actions. Thus, it limits the extent of taking the laws into their hands to attain some ends at the expense of other. This induces the afflicted members to seek justice and not take to the life of their countrymen. According to the declaration, all humans have a right to life which helps in cutting bloodshed during the conflicts. Still the declaration underscore that everyone has a right to nationality as well as ownership of property as an individual or as a group (United Nations). This facilitates tolerance and understanding among the conflicting parties or communities due to the recognition that all belong to one nation and have rights. As such, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has many roles in calling off the global conflicts by supporting coexistence, adherence to fundamental and human rights as well as reigning of justice and equity all over the world. Additionally, the declaration takes into account the values and believes from different cultural backgrounds in creating co-existence and peaceful interactions. Primarily, it imparts tolerance among people with different ethnicity and cultural backgrounds based on the fact that we all have rights to live as a human being.
The declaration is an important facet of the management of different diversity with a certain location. Particularly, it states that ‘everyone is entitled to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.' Still, it postulates that as human we have a right to live any country and return as he/she may find convenient. In this case, the declaration demonstrates the human dignity in making choices without being harassed or denied access. As such, it creates avenues for different people and community to interact. Ultimately, it boosts the understanding among human beings and enabling people to find strength in their difference and diversity among themselves. This leads to interactions and cooperation that reduces global conflicts. Finally, it powers the existence of human beings and their families at any place on the earth. Specifically, the declaration stipulates that human being deserves fair remuneration that would be worthy of human dignity. Besides, the human require social protection through the social groups and the trade unions in their countries of residence. This minimizes the conflicts since the workers are protected and thus cannot be viewed as outsiders of the community they live and work in. It also cuts the conflict between the employers and the employees since there is the aspect of the fair compensation.
Give your personal insight and reasoning to this case study!
The case study illustrates that by being human, we have a moral obligation to pursue good will and treat ourselves as well as other beings as end means. This will help in lowering the rate of conflict as well as repercussions associated with this vice. Additionally, the study has shown that the human rights have roles in creating a tolerant, equitable and fair society that does not view diversity as a threat. The paper shows that we all have rights as well as the obligation to live in harmony and constant peace.
Works Cited
“Genocide in Rwanda”
Immanuel, Kant. Good Will, Duty and the Categorical Imperative. 1898
“Universal Declaration of Human Rights”
