Milestone 2: A Letter to the Editor – Kantian Ethics

For this milestone, you will respond to a contemporary moral debate using what you have learned about Kantian ethical principles. First, you will read and reflect on an article you have found in the news, and you will brainstorm how Kant’s categorical imperative could be applied to the situation described in the article. You will then write a letter to the editor that responds to the article, stating how you either approve or disapprove of it and why.

1. Summarize what you have learned about the core theories and practices of Kantian moral philosophy. I’m looking for specific points that show you have an understanding of Kant’s basic approach and key terms (moral law, duty, categorical imperative, universality, moral autonomy, etc.).

2. Summarize the news article you chose and explain (specifically) why you support or do not support it. Justify your response by applying what you have learned about Kant to your reading of the article.  Use the chart you created to explain how your interpretation of Kant leads you to agree or to disagree with what you read. Did your mind change over the course of class?  Why or why not?

3. Describe what lessons you will take away from thinking about this article in terms of Kant. Be specific about how your future decisions and/or political views will (or will not) be informed by these sorts of ethical considerations and why.  

You may choose any debatable topic you wish but here are a few of the hot topics right now.

Submit your Milestone 2 to this Assignment dropbox.

Be sure to follow the letter format: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/01/