Single Idea 21430

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / h. Respect]

Full Idea

The duty of respect for my neighbour is contained in the maxim not to degrade any other man to a mere means to my ends (not to demand that another throw himself away in order to slave for my end).

Gist of Idea

Disrespect is using a person as a mere means to my own ends

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals II:Doctrine of Virtue [1797], 449 I.II)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.244


A Reaction

A weirdly narrow concept of respect. Is enslavement the only way to show disrespect? What about sneering at people, or ignoring them, or prejudicially depriving them of some benefit?

Related Idea

Idea 21429 The duty of love is to makes the ends of others one's own [Kant]