Introduction
Kant’s moral theory allows one to view the situation through a Kantian perspective. Given the scenario of a burning house with a child, dearly loved, stuck inside one has to think about their duty and whether running into the house is an action against their duty, from duty or in accordance with duty.
Explanation
Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, believed that there were certain types of actions that were prohibited. These actions included lying, thieving, and committing murder. He was of the idea that even though any of these actions might result in happiness, they were to be avoided and rather deal with the alternative. As one decides to act, they first need to ask themselves if they can rationally will for everyone else to act as they have decided to act. They also need to ensure that their actions respect the goals of mankind and not just fulfilling their purpose. If one finds that the answer to both these questions is no or even if one of the answers is no, then they must not perform the action.
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With the given situation, one has to subject it to these two questions to find out if they are doing their categorical imperative. The categorical imperative is the supreme principle that is responsible for determining man’s moral duties. A maxim is a rule upon which one acts. I believe that we have the duty to preserve life under whatever circumstance provided that when the situation is reversed, we will let another person act similarly thus could very well pass as a universal law. I think that one has the duty to go and save the child. Saving a child, and a dearly beloved one at that would be something that I would be willing to allow everyone else to do as well.
I believe that the motivation behind the saving of the child makes one a good person. Saving the child from the fires in the burning house will ensure that the child gets to live a fuller life and might even grow and help other people in future. Since moral worth is determined by morality, the consequence of the action is not really important in this case. However, the motivation to save the child comes from duty. I would, therefore, despite whether I like the idea of walking through the flames to save the child, still go in the house and save them as I know it is my duty to the child to ensure that they get to live a full life. The relationship that I have with my child will ensure that I have an obligation to them, thus ensuring that I go in accordance with my duty.
Conclusion
A Kantian perspective will ensure that whatever decision I make regarding the situation is correct under the categorical imperative. As a duty, I would have to save my child from the burning house, thus making me a good person. I might not like doing it, but I still have to do it to ensure that I save the child. Although I will be gaining from saving my child as losing her would make me grieve, I believe that I will be working well within the categorical imperative. After applying the two questions that Kantians must ask themselves before performing an action and also employing the first formulation; the formula of universal law, I would be working in accordance with the duty to my child.
