Topic > Kant's Theory of Morality: Utilitarianism and Happiness...

The idea is that you can expect everything to be generally run by your own rules, and that these rules are just and fair. The life and behavior of human beings should be inspired by this principle. Freedom is seen as an idea that is reflected in the actions of rational beings. Critics of Kant's theory who oppose his maxim of acting as if our actions should suffice as a law of nature argue that people who do immoral things do not wish others to do them. According to them, others should be moral but exempt from the rules set by society. Unlike utilitarianism, according to Kantian theory, killing a person to provide a greater good for others is considered morally wrong. Such an action would be tantamount to treating a human being as a means and not an end. Kantians also disagree with the utilitarian belief that pleasure is the purpose of life; they consider it degrading to humans. The pursuit of happiness is a choice and therefore it cannot be said that everyone wants the same thing. I think Kant's theory of morality has a better application in everyday life situations. It guarantees justice by supporting everyone's right to be treated equally not only for the common good