Learn · Sentences Philosophy and Ethics

According to Kantian ethics, we should treat people as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

B2

Sentence

Narrator

According to Kantian ethics, we should treat people as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Giving Advice

We should always treat people as ends in themselves, according to Kantian ethics.

Describing Habits

My ethical framework is based on Kantian principles; I always strive to treat people as ends in themselves.

Asking About Others

Do you believe in treating people as ends in themselves, as Kantian ethics suggests?

Sharing Hypotheticals

If we treated people merely as means, we would violate Kantian ethical principles.

Rephrased versions

Formal

Kantian ethics dictates that individuals should be treated as ends in themselves, never solely as instruments to achieve a goal.

Casual

Kant's thing is, we shouldn't use people; we should treat them right.

Simpler English

We should treat people with respect, not just use them to get what we want.

Phrases to learn

treat people as ends in themselves

To value individuals for their inherent worth, not just for their usefulness.

means to an end

Something used to achieve a goal; a tool or instrument.