Earning Happiness: The Path of Virtue and Justice in Kantian Morality
Dr.Vijayalakshmi Aluri, Winner of World Bank’s Projects competition, Author, Social worker and Gynecologist, Sri Sri Holistic Multi specialty Hospitals, Hyderabad
The Unseen Choice: A Story of Duty Over Desire
Emma worked in finance, climbing the ladder with dedication and success. She had reached a point where a promotion was almost guaranteed, with a significant raise and the prestige she had always wanted. However, as she reviewed a new project proposal, she discovered troubling details: her company’s plan to acquire a struggling business would lead to layoffs of hundreds of workers. The acquisition was legal but ethically questionable. Her conscience urged her to act, even though raising objections could risk her promotion.
Emma found herself grappling with Kant’s philosophy, which she had once studied in college. She remembered Kant’s idea of duty — acting not out of personal gain, but from a commitment to what is right. According to his categorical imperative, she asked herself, “What if everyone in my position chose silence? Would the world be just?” The answer was clear: doing the right thing, even at personal cost, aligned with her deepest values.
She decided to voice her concerns in a company meeting, advocating for a more ethical approach…