Immanuel Kant On Why Is Breaking A Promise or Lying Immoral
Overview
This essay examines Immanuel Kant's deontological ethics regarding the immorality of breaking promises and lying. The author disputes Kant's absolutist position by arguing there are justified exceptions where false promises or lies serve greater humanitarian purposes, such as maintaining a child's emotional wellbeing.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to the role of promises in daily life and Kant's moral stance on dishonesty
- Explanation of Kant's categorical imperative and his argument that lying treats others as means rather than ends
- Critique of Kant's absolutism through practical examples including political campaign promises and parental care scenarios
Preview
Immanuel Kant On Why Is Breaking A Promise or Lying Immoral
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Immanuel Kant On Why Is Breaking A Promise or Lying Immoral
Making promises is part of our daily lives. We often make promises when we need a favor from the person or face a challenge, and we want them to feel better from the challenge. However, other people may break the promise and disappointing the person waiting to fulfill the promise. In some cases, the promise could be a lie that a person only made the promise to make one feel comfortable or recover from a situation. Immanuel Kant believed that breaking a promise or lying is immoral. This essay disagrees with Kant that breaking a promise or lying is immoral, and describes a scenario where one ought to break a promise or lie.
Immanuel Kant believes that building trust and honesty is fundamental in our daily lives. He holds that we should always act in a principle that others could adapt and act on, meaning that we should not treat ourselves as an exception in that particular case (Kemp, 2019). This Kantian belief is the same as what most religious groups believe that you should treat others how you would wish treated.
Kant's system stands firm on certain behaviors claiming that they are wrong and no reason given justifies the actions; they are wrong for any person, at any time, and in any society.