Which ethical philosophy is characterized by being right no matter the cost?

• A. Utilitarianism
• B. Kantianism
• C. Altruism
• D. Consequentialism

Answer: (B)

Kantianism is an ethical philosophy primarily associated with the work of Immanuel Kant, who emphasized the importance of duty and moral law over the consequences of actions. According to Kantianism, actions are considered morally right if they adhere to a universal principle of duty, which is known as the categorical imperative. This philosophy argues that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the outcomes they produce. Therefore, in Kantian ethics, the emphasis is placed on acting in accordance with moral rules, even when doing so may lead to adverse consequences or costs.

For instance, a Kantian would assert that lying is always wrong, regardless of the potential benefits that might arise from it. This reflects a commitment to acting according to moral principles rather than weighing the potential outcomes, which is what distinguishes Kantianism from other ethical theories such as utilitarianism or consequentialism, which focus on consequences as the basis for determining the morality of actions. In this way, Kantianism stands out as an ethical framework where being right is prioritized, irrespective of the costs involved.