Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics in Law Enforcement - Essay Example

Immanuel Kant Ethical Theories and Modern Policing Practices Immanuel Kant Ethical Theories and Modern Policing PracticesImmanuel Kant was a famous German philosopher and his work in ethics is of considerable important even today. He presented a deontological basis for ethics and his theories are commonly classified as deontological theories of ethics. The work of Kant is contrasted with the popular utilitarianism in the way that the Kant’s ethical theories are not consequentilist in nature.

The rightness or wrongness of any action, according to Kant, is not dependent on the consequences of those actions but on the nature of the action itself (Tsalikis & Ortiz-Buonafina, 1990). This is the main feature of the ethical theories of Immanuel Kant.The most famous ethical theory of Kant is Categorical Imperative. This theory calls for evaluation of one’s action according to certain rules and guidelines or maxims. The main elements of the theory include universality which calls for acting in a manner which will not hurt or displease the acting person if the same act is made a universal law.

Any action, under Kant’s ethical theory, should be judged not on the basis of consequences it brings but on the basis of the nature of the action. For example, Kant would not allow a person to lie even if this action results in collective good of the society because lying is not an ethical behavior itself. This is the main feature of Kant’s ethical theory.Focus on principles and guidelines are also important part of Kant’s ethical theory. An action is principally good or bad and consequences or other elements have nothing to do with the rightness and wrongness of any action.

The principle on which the action is carried out is the main focus of evaluation in Kant’s ethical theory. Kant’s ethical theory differs from other important ethical theories because it focuses on actions and treats an action as an end in itself. The act is important for Kant and not its consequences. This is the main difference between the ethical approach of Kant and other ethical theories.The ethical theories of Kant can be applied to modern policing practices. There are many ways in which modern police can improve its practices based on Kant’s ethical theories.

Kant stressed on treating actions as an end in itself and not just as means. Police can also apply this theory to its practice by following due process. Sometimes police can be tempted to break the law and focus on the consequences of their actions. This is how modern policing practices can learn from Kant’s ethical theories.Police should also act in a way according to the guidelines which if are made universal laws should be acceptable to them. This rule can be applied to police because at times police is forced to use ‘extra judicial measures’ while working against criminals.

This should not be done because it is essential to follow guidelines and maxims in working in criminal justice system. Rules are essential to abide by and this is something that police can learn from the ethical theories of Kant. ReferencesTsalikis, J. & Ortiz-Buonafina, M. (1990). Ethical beliefs differences of males and females. Journal of Business Ethics, 9(6): 509-517. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/docview/197998299/abstract?source=fedsrch&accountid=8289