Journal #4
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Toronto Metropolitan University *
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606
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Philosophy
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Dec 6, 2023
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Journal #4
CPHL 606- D10
Toronto Metropolitan University
October 6, 2023
Immanuel Kant makes a case against several types of sexual misconduct in “Crimina
Carnis,” which he refers to as “crimes of the flesh” (Kant, 2001). He analyzes whether these
actions align with reason and moral standards by placing them in the framework of moral
philosophy. Notably, the categorical imperative offers a framework for judging whether a
behavior is morally acceptable. Hence, one should only follow rules that could apply to
everyone, i.e., rules that would still be morally righteous even if everyone followed them.
Moreover, Kant classifies sexual offenses, including prostitution, concubinage, and adultery, as
crimes against reason and morality using this paradigm. The exploitation of another person for
one's sexual gratification without taking into account their humanity or well-being makes these
behaviors irrational (Kant, 2001). According to Kant, such behaviors cannot be universalized
since doing so would diminish people's moral and human values and reduce them to objects of
desire; this violates the categorical imperative. Furthermore, Kant highlights the idea of seeing
humanity as a goal itself rather than as a means to an end in his second formulation of the
categorical imperative (Denis, 1999). Sexual misconduct disrespects people's inherent value as
reasoned beings and exploits them as tools for one's pleasure. The second formulation of the
categorical imperative demands that people always be treated with respect. I agree with Kant's
claim that certain types of sexual misbehavior are ethically unacceptable. Kant's focus on the
significance of upholding people's humanity and dignity is consistent with modern ethical norms
that place a premium on consent, individuality, and respect for one another in sexual interactions
(Denis, 1999). Briefly, Kant's argument in "Crimina Carnis" is grounded in the role of reason and
the categorical imperative, which he uses to assess the moral permissibility of various forms of
sexual misconduct. I agree with Kant, these actions are morally wrong because they treat
individuals as means to an end rather than as ends, violating fundamental principles of ethics and
respect for human dignity (Denis, 1999).
References
Denis, L. (1999). Kant on the wrongness of" unnatural" sex.
History of Philosophy
Quarterly
,
16
(2), 225-248.
Kant, Immanuel. (2001). Of Duties to the Body in Regard to the Sexual Impulse and
Crimina Carnis. In (Eds.), Lectures on Ethics (pp. 155-162). Cambridge University Press.
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