Kantian theory
Discussion on the modern philosophical thought cannot fail to acknowledge the works of Immanuel Kant. Kant argued that reason shapes human behaviour and that reason is a source of morality. He believed that reason enables an individual to be guided by certain principles (Wood, 2007). In this regard, reason is a major concept of the human mind which helps in shaping the experience of human beings. Kant observed that space and time are major components of human sensibility. His beliefs have been useful in various fields of philosophy. These fields include ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics and epistemology.
The major work of Kant
Although Kant contributed significantly in the field of philosophy, his main work focussed on the subject of reason. In the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant identified the relationship between reason and human behaviour. His work brought to an end the standoff that existed between rationalists and empiricists on the theory of human experience. In his argument, Kant opined that human experiences are influenced by certain elements in the mind (Wood, 2007). The human mind plays a critical role in determining the human experience. Kant believed that at the mind, all human beings share some structural features. The ability to experience things in the world aided by the ability of the senses to convey them to us. Kant observed that human beings lack the ability to see things directly. He referred to this state as the noumenal world.
Kant believed in delimiting the bounds of reason. He believed in a world beyond what the senses could reveal. He identified reason as having a relationship with empirical truth and that reason plays a central role in scientific inquiry. The Critique of Pure Reason states that reason has positive gains and that it is capable of gaining knowledge by itself. Kant believed in the cause and effect and that any act or phenomenon has the potential of producing a consequence (O’Neill, 2013). He believed in the existence of morality in the sensible world. He described the sensible world as the world known through the senses. Thus, every human behaviour or action is a function of the sensible world. Kant opined that every human action should be perceived as having been caused.
Kant gave the example of a prince that asks one of his subjects to give false testimony in support of the execution of an innocent man. The subject would not hesitate to give false testimony. In such as case, the behaviour of the prince’s subject has been caused and the effect of his action is seen in the death of the innocent man (O’Neill, 2013). In this regard, he proposed that people should use their senses and engage in acts that produce desirable effects. Kant observed that people should seek enlightenment through reason and explore world beyond the bounds of reason. Kant criticised utilitarianism concept of happiness which places emphasis on the greatest number. He observed that just because an action brings happiness to the greatest number of people does not make it moral. Kant observed that it is morally wrong to subject people to obedience and limit their freedom in the pursuit of individual desires.
Relationship between ANA Code of Ethics and Kantian Ethics
The American Nursing Association (ANA) has Code of Ethics that guides the duties and responsibilities of nurses in America. Nurses are required to carry out their responsibilities in a way that promotes the quality of nursing as well as upholding ethical obligations. This section examines the codes of ethics that are consistent with Kantian ethics. The first provision in code of ethics requires nurses to handle patients with compassion and respect their inherent dignity. Kant underscores the centrality of human dignity in his quest for human freedom. Kant believes that people should be treated with dignity to promote their freedom and ability to cultivate their faculty of reason. Kantian ethics is also evident in the fourth provision which requires nurses to be accountable, responsible, authoritative, and make right decisions. Pure reason helps in making independent decisions.
Works Cited
O'Neill, O. (2013). Acting on principle: An essay on Kantian ethics. Book. Cambridge.
Cambridge University Press. Print.
Wood, A. W. (2007). Kantian ethics. Book. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. Print.
