Essay Sample on Racism and Ethics

Introduction

Social contract theory brings out the view that a person's moral or political obligation depends on an agreement or a contract among them to come up with a society in which they live. Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean Jacques assert that human beings are naturally selfish. Unrestrained and in the absence of state laws people would be brutal, nasty, and savage. It is in our domain as citizens to comply with the set of rules agreed upon by a majority. Authority exists to protect us from harm. Life without laws would be intolerable. Almost all individuals living under state rule must embrace a social contract. A social contract exists to establish tolerance among individuals living in a society. In this regard, racism is considered a vice because it discriminates against members of the community.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Utilitarianism and Kantianism views have one major thing in common in that they are both regularly described as seeking to incorporate the golden rule insight that demonstrates that in everything, do unto others what you expect them to do unto you. According to Kantianism theory, an act is regarded as moral if it is done for the sake of duty (Holzhey). If an individual undertakes action in the line of duty, they are considered to be correct because it is what is required of them. The utilitarian perspective is based on the outcomes and the consequences where the most significant happiness principle is implemented when it comes to determining the morality of a person's actions. Utilitarianism can be divided into act Rule of utilitarianism and utilitarianism. Being that a utilitarian accepts utility as a principle and is therefore directed toward maximizing the value of the universe hence making this theory is a goal-based theory of ethics as contrary to a rule-based approach.

Since utilitarianism focus on bringing happiness, with the theory accepting the fact that value is universal, most utilitarians stay with the belief that the intrinsic amount of pleasure is not affected by the identity of the being in which it is experienced (Lazari-Radek). Since the utilitarianism view supports equality by the equal interest, is essential to picture it in mind that the theory is against racism, egoism, other forms of unfair discrimination, and even sexism in general. Technically, utilitarianism theory doesn't deny the difference between groups of individuals or individuals in general instead there are no logically compelling reasons for living with the assumption that a difference in ability brings out the justification of any dispute.

Conclusion

Racism is a global problem. Throughout history, racism and prejudice have existed in almost all civilizations. The proponents of the three theories critically address the importance of humanity. The proponents assert that racism is a case of ignorance and misplaced hatred. Though controversial with regards to ethics it is worth noting that humanity bestows tolerance. Kantianism, Utilitarianism, and social contract are all deontological theories. According to deontology, people should not harm one another because no matter the circumstances it is still wrong. Morality is everyone's duty. Racism is immoral. Kant asserts that morality is determined by what is right and what is wrong. Though not perfect, the three theories best explain what a society should be like. It paints a picture of a better world when humankind embraces tolerance.

Works Cited

Helmut Holzhey, Vilem Mudroch. The A to Z of Kant and Kantianism. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2010.

Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, Peter Singer. Utilitarianism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017.