Essay #1
Reason and Politics
Dr. Mazie
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A few weeks ago, my younger sister drew on the bathroom wall with crayons. I asked her the reason why she did so, and she said that she felt like it. I made sure to let her know that she shouldn’t do so again unless she wishes to get in trouble. Still, her answer to my question made me think about what I keep in mind when I say reason. Upon thinking about it, I settled upon something along the lines of “ the justification of an action that is right or wrong” . Similarly, when I think of the concept of morality, I think of something upon the lines of “ my sense of what is right or wrong”. These two ideas intertwine in some way but are subjective enough to be flexible in the way that they do. What is the relationship between reason and …show more content…
When trying to apply Kant’s ideas to how my little sister thinks, I found that there is a large discrepancy between her sense of judgment and the principles of her morals. In the case of her drawing on the wall she knew that doing so was wrong and she still did it anyway. Hume’s idea of the lack of relationship between reason and morals allows for her to know her action was wrong and do it anyway. The passion of wanting to draw on the walls was what produced the action and not her knowledge of how correct it was. At some point in her life, the principles of her morals will start having more weight in her decisions. As a four year old, she can’t be expected to do what her duty demands, even if it means she can’t draw on the walls. It is worthwhile to acknowledge the relevant application of Hume’s ideas to all ages of humans. Whether someone is a few days old or elderly, their passions are equally relevant to their actions. Reason can possibly be used to judge the action and at relevant times morals will produce or prevent