GEMMA ROSE CUNAMAY

BSBA MM-3101
GED 107 ETHICS

CASE ANALYSIS #1
Based on Kant’s notion on freedom and justice, are you free to speak vulgar words to
another when the latter has spoken you the same beforehand?

As a person, I admit that in the past, I also thought speaking vulgar words can be easily
neglected because once, I also thought that it hurts no one and it is okay if I try it sometimes. Not
surprisingly, the world wherein we dwell is filled mostly with people who thinks the same way
as my past self and that through the years, small but compiling actions like speaking vulgar
words contributed to the dominant culture the young are witnessing today.

According to Kant’s Deontology, if a person spoke vulgar words to me, I should think
first whether my course of action will satisfy these two conditions: If an action Fits with the
Moral Law; If an action should align with the motive of fulfilling one’s duty [Philosophy
Explained]. (2018, August 17). Kant’s Ethical Theory [Video File]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UhiRLuSlIU. Following this line of reasoning, speaking
vulgar words is out of the question because I would not want to wake up in a world where
everyone speaks vulgar words and I know in myself that my motive by speaking vulgar words
back at someone will be just to satisfy myself by thinking that I defended myself from insult and
disrespect where I just simply will be doing the same thing.

Kant’s three corollaries in his Theory of Justice states that: “First, justice is concerned
only with external actions by which one person can influence other people, whether directly or
indirectly; Second, justice is not concerned with the desires, wishes, or needs of other people;
Third, justice is concerned solely with the form of interpersonal relationships, not with their
content.” Smith, G.H. (2016). Immanuel Kant’s Theory of Justice. Therefore, according to the
conditions, still speaking vulgar words back would not be justifiable, since by being spoken
vulgar words, I don’t think any of my rights are violated, taken or restricted from being
demonstrated by me.
 Lastly, according to Kant’s Philosophy on freedom which states that “The right to control
one’s actions based on reason, not desire.” By applying this notion of freedom, I should think
reasonably if doing the same as the person that spouted vulgar words at me would be morally
right and I would be doing my duty as a human person by performing the said action; and not by
basing my action on my selfish desire of gratifying my emotions but receiving nothing in return
that would prove to be useful in the future.

If I am shouted at or spoken vulgar words whether with reason or not, my natural

response is simply getting mad or get confused as to why I experience that. In this world we live
in where such things are considered normal just because more and more people can understand
and take it in, it is my duty to do my part in questioning why these kinds of things are more
prominent than universally positive and good things like praises, compliments, and greetings. I
inherently believe that to stop or to eliminate these acts is to simply start in myself and stop
doing it, and the Philosopher Immanuel Kant helped me in proving why I am morally right.