Julie, Wei Qing and Celeste have been arguing for the past few minutes on whether or not Keshie ought to be treated as a rational being. Being treated as a rational being would entail that Keshie be no longer referred to as a "fluffball" or "inanimate object" since it would be against Kant's Deontological Theory - treating a rational being as an ends involves treating him/her with respect due to any other human being. Thus in this essay, I would like to examine the arguments based on utilitarianism, Kant's Deontological Theory and rights theory on whether or not Keshie should be insulted, or "suaned" in colloquial terms.
Utilitarianism, firstly, aims to bring about the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. Therefore we will need to look at whether treating Keshie as a rational being will bring about greater happiness or not. Since Keshie's fan club comprises 4 people, it is obvious that any happiness caused by treating Keshie as a rational being will definitely outnumber the unhappiness caused to Wei Qing, the one and only weirdo. Thus, according to utilitarianism, treating Keshie as a rational being is morally right. Moreover, one should not insult Keshie since it would hurt both her and her fan club. This hurt would be much greater than the sadistic pleasure one may take in insulting her, thus it would be morally wrong according to utilitarianism to insult Keshie.
Next, since Keshie is a rational being, according to Kant's Deontological Theory, Keshie must be treated as both an end and a means and not just a means. This means that Keshie must be treated as a free and autonomous being, with all due respect. Keshie should thus not be insulted or abused, as this is wrong according to the theory, and according to utilitarianism, as Keshie will feel hurt and heartbroken. If we were to treat Keshie as an irrational being, of course, this would not apply. However, this would not be acting out of moral duty - another fundamental principle of Kant's Deontological Theory - as one's moral duty is to ensure one's friends are not hurt or upset. Keshie's fan club will definitely be outraged at this, and thus to treat Keshie as an irrational being would be to forego one's moral duty. Thus, it is highly moral to treat Keshie as a rational being and to treat her with respect.
Now, according to rights theory, since Keshie should be treated as a rational being as proven by the above two theories, Keshie also has rights. Keshie has the right not to be continually slandered. Keshie's fan club also has the right not to have their star continually slandered. Thus, it is obvious that, if one were to insult and slander Keshie, it would be immoral and against Keshie and her fan club's rights.
In conclusion, utilitarianism and Kant's Deontological Theory provide strong and sound arguments that Keshie should be treated as a rational being and not be insulted. Rights theory further highlights the latter point as well. Therefore, I do feel that it is only moral and necessary to treat Keshie as a rational being and stop insulting her.
=) written by CELESTE. XD
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment