Moral Reflection

Everyday in our lives we are forced into making moral findings about boththing under the sun. at that place are situations that make such process difficult, and there are situations where the dish up appears to be just right in front of our faces. I cogitate it would be difficult for anyone to get back on any ethical predicament if he has no clear idea of morality.Personally, I am cognizant that of at least two ethical principles that guide me in my effortless ethical decision-making. These are utilitarianism and Kantian moral philosophy. utilitarianism holds that a somebodys action would be considered morally right if it tends to promote happiness for the great number of people. Thus, utilitarianism as a moral philosophy places emphasis on the consequences of human action, rather than on the motives behind such action (West).On the separate hand, Kantian moral philosophy, or more popularly known as the categorical imperative, is establish on notions of obligation, necessi ty and reason. Kant bankd that morality consists in the choosing and doing neat give birth, and the proper action is dictated solely by rational considerations. Thus, Kant holds that internal considerations, including emotions, should not be considered in moral decision-making (The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy).I believe in some(prenominal) these theories and I use them both when I solve everyday ethical dilemmas. There are times when. I believe purely rational considerations should prevail, but there are times that I also consider subjective factors like emotions. I believe that both theories guide my actions and decisions, and both allow me to weigh various considerations in my mind.Nevertheless, I believe that Kants method in determining the right conduct is a better decision-making process, because Kant provded clear criteria for choosing. Kant nominated this rule, thusSo act, that the rule on which thou actest would admit of being adopted as a faithfulness by al l rational beings. (Kant).This rule is easier to follow since it does not waver depending on my mood or subjective predilection, which could change in any day. It serves as a true north, which teaches all men how to think and decide moral dilemmas.One moral force that deeply concerns me is euthanasia, or mercy killing. mercy killing is defined as an act characterized by the intentional ending of a patients life by a physician, usually by lethal nip (Religion Facts). Euthanasia is always being raised as an option where a person is with a terminal illness and slim chances of recovering. It is an important issue for me because I could easily imagine myself in the position of the sick persons family, and I could imagine subjective feelings that would dictate either euthanasia or maintaining life support. In these kinds of situations, utilitarianism could support either position, as the decision would depend on the consequences of an action. On the other hand, Kantian philosophy could provide a more definitive answer, but such answer would emphatically not consider emotions, because these are subjective factors that are not based on reason.Works CitedKant, I. The Metaphysics of Ethics. 1886.MacDonald, Chris. Moral Decision Making An Analysis. 2002. 14 Feb. 2008. .Religion Facts. Facts and Statistics on Euthanasia. 14 Feb. 2008. http//www.religionfacts.com/euthanasia/stats.htm.The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Categorical Imperative. 2001. 14 Feb. 2008.http//www.nd.edu/rbarger/categorical-imperative.html.West, Henry R. Utilitarianism. Encyclopdia Britannica. 14 Feb. 2008. http//www.utilitarianism.com/utilitarianism.html.