Question

Explain the two examples discussed by Kant himself (lying promise and helping others) in terms of the humanity formulation. That is, what does Kant say are our moral obligations in these two cases and how does the humanity formulation explain this?

Answer 1

• Immanuel Kant was a great philosopher of his time. He coined the term Lying promise and Helping others in terms of humanity formulation.
• When talking about Lying Promise he explains the concept by providing simple examples of everyday life.
• For example – If someone needs a money, then the best way to get it is by giving an assurance that he will return it as early as possible. But in most cases this doesn’t happen.
• Our Moral obligation says to return it, but once our need is fulfilled that’s when the problem arise.
• On Helping others, Kant state that as a human being, every person have a moral commitment and responsibility to help others. But he proclaimed this as imperfect.
• Talking about the welfare of people and actually helping them are two different choice. It’s all based on what a person choose.