Theoretical Discussion Outline

This template can be filled out using short bullets. It does not need to be your entire script/discussion, but just an
outline – an overview of how you plan to develop your discussion. It gives us a chance to see if you are digging deep
enough, or if you are on the right track. It only requires one theory at the time of submission.

STUDENT NAME:
STUDENT ID #:
1. Theory selected: Kant Theory
Using bullet points, list:
1. Similarities or Differences between Singer Solution & the Theory(As applicable)
Don’t merely list claims of each. Analyse the claims or criticisms. Make it clear what the difference or similarity is,
where it comes from. What about the claims make these similar?

 In the singer solution we are using people who spend their money on luxurious things as means to an end, the end being
ending poverty. This would contradict Kant's argument that humans should never be used as a means to an end.

 One similarity between Kant's Categorical Imperative and Singer's solution is their use of the word "ought." Kant
considers "ought" to be a duty rather than a desire, which is like how Singers uses it. Singers argue that if we can prevent
death by starvation by sacrificing our luxuries then we ought to do so. Both theories use ought as an obligation and a
responsibility.

 The focus of Kant's theory and the Singer Solution is different. Kant is more concerned with the action itself
than with the outcome, whereas the singer solution is only concerned with the outcome of their theory. The
singers hope that the action will result in an end to poverty and starvation.

2. Concepts from the Theory (eg, claims, criticism, frameworks, terms…) that will be used to explore the Singer solution.
Be specific, I should see you understand your theory and that you can properly apply it to the content you are discussing.
Remember it should be in the context of morality, ethical behavior, ending poverty, cultural/societal factors. Be specific
and clear so we understand the direction of your discussion. By reading this, we should know the gist of your video to
come.
● One flaw in cant theory is that Kant say we can always predict the outcome of our actions but in reality, we
can't always predict what will happen. For example, a lady is homeless and goes into a restaurant telling
them she wants to order food but won’t be able to pay she doesn’t know what the outcome of that will be, she
doesn’t know if they will take pity on her and give her or if their will throw her out.

● Morality, according to Kant, is a duty rather than an option; we must do what is right, and we can use our
ability reason to know what is right from wrong.
Fix
● Kant believes that a moral rule should never be broken, no matter how compelling the case for doing so is.

3. Moral Obligations & Consequences – use the theory chosen, cultural/social norms or traditions, moral codes,
as well as credible, sourced societal factors to support the discussion.

● Is it yours? I believe it is my moral obligation to sacrifice my luxuries in order to save or assist someone from
starvation. As someone who has had the benefit of having everything both necessary and unnecessary, I should be able
 to give back and assist those who are less fortunate. I believe it would be morally wrong to live a lavish lifestyle when
there are people in need. And by cutting back on unnecessary expenses I can help end poverty one step at a time.
Undoubtedly morality is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and with that it would be wrong for others
to suffer because of greed and selfishness.

● Any effects on Belize?  Many people would be taken off the streets and given the opportunity for a better life if the
singer solution was made universal in Belize. Poverty levels would begin to decline, and the number of people dying
from starvation would decrease. Belize will also become a safer community will less violence and dead. Because the
solution will be universal, everyone in Belize will be expected to forego their comfort and assist because it is their
moral obligation. Although it is a moral obligation, many belizeans will be angry with the poor because they do not
want to give up their luxuries; some may even be immoral and do nothing to help.

● Improving the quality of life for others? for yourself? The singer solution would improve the quality to live for many
people that aren’t able to provide food for themselves and their children. It will give them hope in others and teach
them that they are good people in the world. The individual that is giving back, life will change likewise they will feel
a sense of involvement in others life. They're going to understand that what they are doing is morally right. They will
be seen as a moral person who used their ability to tell that it is right to save a child from starvation because they can.
That child will then view the world differently and will go on to be a moral person.
● Belizean citizen: a requirement? Belizean citizen would require the singer solution because they are many children on
the street homeless because of the lack of help from their parent with food and shelter. Some children were even on the
streets since they were a child, begging strangers for food. Some individuals might be moral and offer them a cooked
meal, but others might take advantage of them and even go to the point of being unethical and make fun of them. This
would then leave many children to dead by starvation, which according to Singers is morally wrong.

Last updated by QA February 2016 2 | Page