Question

Pick one of the following philosophers. Research their main ideas and arguments about ethics, and state a similarity or a difference between the ideas of the philosopher you've chosen and the readings from one of the modules we've done so far. Does the thinker you chose have ideas that are similar to any of the ideas of Kant's ethics, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, or natural law ethics? How so?

Angela Davis

Mohandas Gandhi

Seyla Benhabib

Malcolm X

Emma Goldman

Cornell West

Judith Butler

Enrique Dussel

Answer 1

The philosopher that I choose is Mohandas Gandhi
The ethics and arguments of Gandhiji were revolved around truth and nonviolence. All his thoughts and actions were guided by these two important principles of truth and nonviolence. He had also renounced materialism and focus on living a simple life. And he believed that simplicity leads to happiness. He had also embraced vegetarianism as a symbol of non violence towards animals.

Please ideas with similar to Kant's ethics, virtue ethics and natural law ethics but not similar to utilitarianism.

Kant's ethics says that actions that fulfill our duty determine if the action is right or wrong and it is not guided by the consequences of the action.

Utilitarianism states the opposite of Kant's ethics that is the consequences of the action determine if it is right or wrong.

Virtue ethics states that the acquired virtue is a personality triat that helps in differentiating between the right and the wrong actions. And the Gandhi's principle revolves around the virtue of truth and nonviolence which has used as a guiding principle in his every actions.

Natural ethics states that the ultimate purpose of human morality is to live or good and happy life which is also human nature hence the actions leading to a happy life would be considered as right action and anything against the human nature would be wrong action. Which is reflected in Gandhi's principles.