Admas

University

INDIVISUAL ASSIGMENT

Name：Yeabsira Tarekegn

Student ID： 1155/23

Class： CS2

[Due Date]

Submitted To：Bogale Geta

Submitted Date : 29/01/2024

 TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction…………………………………………………….1

Competences of a Good Citizen………………..………………2

Moral Theories: Kant’s Categorical Imperative and ..………...3

Ross’s Prima Facie Duties

Why Should Human Beings be Moral?......………....................4

To Whom Does Morality Apply?........................………...........5

Types of Reasoning……………………………………………6

Theories of Citizenship………………………………………..7

References…………………………………………………….9
 INTRODUCTION
In this assignment, we embark on an intellectual journey to explore the multifaceted concepts of
citizenship, morality, and reasoning. We will delve into the qualities that define a good citizen,
unravel the philosophical intricacies of Kant and Ross's ethical theories, and ponder the fundamental
question of why humans should be moral. We will navigate the application of morality across
religious, social, and individual dimensions and delve into the complexities of deductive and
inductive reasoning. Our exploration will also encompass diverse theories of citizenship, providing
nuanced perspectives on the intricate relationship between individuals and society. Throughout this
exploration, we will reflect on the moral, cognitive, and civic dimensions that shape our shared
human experience.

Key Areas of Exploration:

Defining the Good Citizen: We will examine the competences and qualities that define a good
citizen, exploring the role of civic insight, critical thinking, community involvement, and ethical
conduct in contributing to a just and harmonious society.

Unraveling Philosophical Perspectives: We will delve into the philosophical intricacies of Kant's
Categorical Imperative and Ross's Prima Facie Duties, analyzing their frameworks for determining
the morality of actions and their implications for ethical decision-making.

Exploring the Essence of Human Morality: We will ponder the fundamental question of why
humans should be moral, examining various arguments from consequentialism to virtue ethics and
exploring the role of empathy, reciprocity, and social contracts in shaping moral behavior.

Navigating the Application of Morality: We will examine how morality applies across religious,
social, and individual dimensions, considering the influence of religious teachings, cultural norms,
and personal values on moral decision-making.

Delving into Deductive and Inductive Reasoning: We will explore the two primary types of
reasoning, deductive and inductive, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and applications in various
fields, from mathematics to scientific research.

Examining Citizenship Theories: We will delve into four prominent theories of citizenship—
communitarian, liberal, republican, and multicultural—providing diverse perspectives on the rights,
responsibilities, and obligations of individuals in relation to their communities and societies.

Reflecting on Shared Human Experience: Throughout our exploration, we will reflect on the moral,
cognitive, and civic dimensions that shape our shared human experience, considering how these
dimensions interact and influence our understanding of citizenship, morality, and reasoning.
1. Enumerate the competences of good citizen.
● A well-rounded citizen possesses a blend of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that contribute to the
flourishing of the community and society at large. These competences are cultivated through
personal experiences, community engagement, and a commitment to ethical principles. Here are
some key attributes of a good citizen:

A. Civic Insight:
Understanding the fundamental principles and concepts of civics, including the structure and functioning of
government at local, national, and international levels.
Familiarity with the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of citizens in a democratic society.

B. Critical Analytical Abilities:

The ability to critically examine information, arguments, and evidence to determine their validity,
reliability, and relevance.
Skill in identifying biases, fallacies, and other forms of misinformation or disinformation.

C. Community Involvement:
Actively participating in local community activities and events, such as volunteering, attending
community meetings, and supporting local businesses.
Dedicating time and effort to volunteer work and actively engaging in civic organizations to address
community needs and improve the lives of others.

D. Adherence to Legal Principles:

Upholding and respecting the laws and regulations that govern society, including local ordinances,
state and federal laws, and international treaties.
Advocating for justice and fairness by speaking out against discrimination, corruption, and other
forms of injustice, and by promoting equal rights and opportunities for all.

E. Ethical Conduct:
Demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of accountability in all aspects of life, both
personal and professional.
Esteeming the rights and dignity of others, treating all people with respect and compassion, and
valuing diversity and inclusion.

F. Effective Communication Skills:

Articulating ideas and thoughts clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing.
Actively listening to and comprehending diverse viewpoints, even those that differ from one's own,
and engaging in constructive dialogue.

G. Social Obligation:
Recognizing and addressing social issues and challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and
environmental degradation, and taking positive actions to contribute to societal well-being.
Volunteering time and resources to support causes and organizations that are working to make a
positive impact on society.

H. Environmental Awareness:
Understanding the importance of environmental sustainability and the impact of human activities on
the natural world.
Promoting sustainable practices and behaviors in daily life, such as reducing waste, conserving
energy, and supporting eco-friendly businesses.

I. Inclusivity:

Embracing diversity and advocating for inclusivity in all aspects of society, including race, ethnicity,
gender, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status.
Respecting and appreciating cultural differences, seeking out opportunities to learn about and engage
with people from diverse backgrounds.

J. Global Consciousness:
Recognizing the interconnectedness of the world and the global challenges that we face, such as
climate change, poverty, and armed conflict.
Taking an active interest in global affairs and issues, staying informed about current events, and
supporting organizations that are working to address global problems.
2. Explain and discuss Kant’s Categorical Imperative
and Ross’s Prima Facie Duties or Moral Guidelines.
Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative:

➔ Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century German philosopher, proposed the Categorical Imperative as a

fundamental principle of morality. It is a deontological ethical theory, meaning it focuses on the
inherent nature of actions rather than their consequences.

A. Universalizability: Kant argued that an action is morally permissible if its underlying principle
can be universalized without contradiction. In other words, one should act according to principles
that could be applied consistently to everyone.

B. Humanity as an End: Kant emphasised treating individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as
means to an end. People should be respected and not used solely for the benefit of others.

C. Consistency and Rationality: The Categorical Imperative requires individuals to act rationally
and consistently, promoting a sense of duty and moral worthiness.

W.D. Ross's Prima Facie Duties or Moral Guidelines:

➔ W.D. Ross, a 20th-century philosopher, presented a deontological theory that acknowledges the
complexity of moral decision-making. He argued for the existence of prima facie duties, which are
moral obligations that can be overridden in certain circumstances.

Prima Facie Duties:

➔ Fidelity: Duties arising from promises, contracts, or commitments.

➔ Reparation: Duties to correct or compensate for harm done to others.
➔ Gratitude: Duties based on past kindness or favours received.
➔ Justice: Duties related to fairness and distribution of benefits and burdens.
➔ Beneficence: Duties to promote the well-being of others.
➔ Self-improvement: Duties to improve one's own abilities and virtues.
➔ Non-maleficence: Duties to avoid causing harm.
3. Why should human beings be moral? Answer this
question by relating to different arguments.

● The question of why human beings should be moral has been a subject of philosophical inquiry for
centuries. Various ethical theories and moral philosophers offer different perspectives on this matter.
Here are some key arguments:

Consequentialism:

● Argument: Morality is about maximizing overall happiness or minimizing harm. Being moral leads
to better consequences for individuals and society.

● Example: Acts of kindness, cooperation, and ethical behavior contribute to the well-being of
oneself and others, creating a more positive and harmonious world.

Divine Command Theory:

● Argument: Morality is based on divine commands or a higher authority. Being moral is a duty to
God or an obligation for spiritual reasons.

● Example: Following moral rules is a way of expressing religious devotion, and disobedience may
be considered a violation of divine will.

Reciprocity and Evolutionary Ethics:

➢ Argument: Morality is rooted in evolutionary processes, promoting cooperation and reciprocity

for the survival of individuals and the species.

➢ Example: Altruistic behavior and cooperation enhance social bonds and increase the likelihood of
mutual support, ultimately benefiting the individual and the community.

➔ In summary, individuals may choose to be moral for reasons ranging from social contract
obligations, consequences of actions, adherence to duties, cultivation of virtues, religious beliefs,
evolutionary advantages, or the pursuit of self-interest. The diversity of ethical theories reflects the
complexity of human motivations for moral behavior.
 4. To whom does morality apply? Explain in terms
of religion, social and individual morality.

● Morality applies to different dimensions of human existence, encompassing religious, social, and
individual aspects:

1. Religious Morality:

In the realm of religion, morality typically pertains to those who follow a specific faith. This includes
individual believers, members of religious communities, clergy, and even those loosely associated
with a particular religion. The moral principles prescribed by religious teachings guide the behaviour
and interactions of adherents, influencing personal conduct and community dynamics. Morality in a
religious context is intricately tied to spiritual growth, community expectations, and the guidance
provided by religious authorities.

2. Social Morality:

In social settings, morality applies to everyone in the community, including individuals, leaders, and
even those loosely connected. It's about following shared values and ethical standards that contribute
to a harmonious society. Leaders play a role in shaping and enforcing social morality, fostering a
sense of responsibility among individuals.Morality, in the social sense, is applicable to all individuals
within a community or society. It involves adherence to shared values, cultural norms, and ethical
principles that contribute to the well-being and harmony of the social group.

3. Individual Morality:

On an individual level, morality applies to each person, guiding their personal conduct and decision-
making.Individual morality is your personal compass for right and wrong. Shaped by values,
experiences, and beliefs, it guides your decisions, actions, and sense of responsibility. It's a dynamic
aspect of personal growth and autonomy, influencing how you navigate ethical choices while
balancing personal convictions and societal norms.
 5. Discuss the two types of reasoning.

❖ There are two primary types of reasoning: inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning.

1. Deductive Reasoning:

Involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles or premises. It follows a top-down
approach, moving from the general to the specific.Deductive reasoning is like starting with general
ideas and logically figuring out specific conclusions. It's a top-down approach that aims for certainty,
commonly used in structured fields like math and formal arguments. The conclusion is basically
guaranteed if the initial principles are true.

Example- Premise 1: All mammals are warm-blooded.

Premise 2: A dog is a mammal.
Conclusion: Therefore, the dog is warm-blooded.

2. Inductive Reasoning:

Inductive reasoning involves forming general conclusions based on specific observations or

evidence. It follows a bottom-up approach, moving from specific instances to broader
generalizations. Inductive reasoning is more like making general ideas from specific observations.
It's a bottom-up approach, often used in everyday problem-solving and scientific research. While it's
not certain, the more observations you have, the more likely the generalization becomes.

Example- Observation 1: Every morning, the sun rises in the east.

Observation 2: The sun has risen in the east every day in the past.
Conclusion: Therefore, one might generalize that the sun will likely rise in the east tomorrow.
 6. Write the theories of citizenship in terms of
communitarian, liberal, republican and multicultural
citizenship.
Communitarian Citizenship

In contemplating the essence of citizenship, the communitarian theory stands as a testament to the
profound significance of community bonds. At its core, this perspective roots citizenship in the
belongingness to a particular community. Civic virtues and active participation in the cultural
tapestry of the community are exalted, with an emphasis on the collective good superseding
individual rights. The communitarian vision paints citizenship as a canvas of shared identity and
social responsibility.

Liberal Citizenship

Diverging from the communitarian perspective, the liberal theory of citizenship champions the cause
of individual rights and freedoms. Citizenship, in the liberal lens, becomes a shield safeguarding the
autonomy and liberties of individuals. The principles of equality, justice, and the rule of law take
center stage, with civic participation acknowledged but within the framework of preserving
individual freedoms. The liberal discourse perceives government as the guardian of individual rights
and the maintainer of social order.

Republican Citizenship

Navigating the spectrum of citizenship theories, the republican perspective places paramount
importance on active civic engagement for the collective welfare. Citizenship, under the republican
lens, involves an earnest commitment to political involvement and civic virtue. The common good
eclipses individual interests, and citizens are entrusted with the duty to contribute to the welfare of
the state. The republican narrative envisions citizenship as a narrative of civic responsibility and the
dedication to public life.

Multicultural Citizenship

In our contemporary tapestry of diverse societies, the multicultural theory of citizenship emerges as a
beacon that recognizes and celebrates cultural diversity. Citizenship, within this framework, entails
the acknowledgment and appreciation of various cultural identities. Equal rights and opportunities
are championed, fostering social cohesion through an inclusive approach to citizenship. The values
of cultural pluralism and the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities shape the landscape of
multicultural citizenship.
 REFERENCES
1.Nussbaum, M. (2006). Cultivating Capabilities: A Humanistic Approach to Ethical Citizenship.
University of Chicago Press.

2. Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.

3.Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Anchor Books.

3. Sandel, M. J. (1998). Liberalism and the Limits of Justice. Cambridge University Press.

4. Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.

6.MacIntyre, A. (1981). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press.

7.Walzer, M. (1983). Spheres of Justice: A Defense of Pluralism and Equality.

8. Taylor, C. (1991). The Ethics of Authenticity. Harvard University Press.

9.Gutmann, A., & Thompson, D. (1996). Democracy and Disagreement.

10.Kymlicka, W. (1995). Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights.