Philosophy homework

Kantianism Applied Instructions: Answer each of the following questions by writing an argument. (Begin each answer with a claim, or thesis statement. Then, support your claim with reasons, which may include textual evidence. Use examples when appropriate to make your ideas clear). Write as much or as little as is necessary in order to clearly answer the question. Your answer will primarily be evaluated according to the following criteria: 1) student demonstrates a capacity to apply Kantian theory to cases in question; 2) student demonstrates the ability to write a clear and well-supported argument; and 3) writing is coherent, clear, and polished. Note that these are tricky cases. There is some room for disagreement. Ultimately, you are being assessed on how well you are able to understand and apply Kantianism and whether you make a sound argument, not on whether you get the "correct" answer. 1. In order to find the perpetrator of a crime or to elicit a confession, police often engage in aggressive forms of questioning when interviewing witnesses and suspects. Why might this practice risk being unethical, according to a Kantian? Where would a Kantian draw the line when it comes to these tactics? Give some specific examples, and support your claims. 2. Amir is fortunate that his parents have been able to save enough money to pay for his college tuition. Since he was a kid, his family always had hopes that he would become a doctor. Recently, however, Amir has fallen in love with his Religious Studies courses, and thinks he'd like to switch his major. When he tells his parents about his decision over Thanksgiving break, however, his father is furious. Amir's father tells him that unless he commits to studying to become a doctor, he will not spend thousands of dollars of his own savings to fund Amir's education. Would a Kantian say that Amir's father is doing something immoral? 3. In 2012, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed to ban the sale of sodas in cups larger than 16 ounces in places like fast food restaurants and movie theaters. Bloomberg argued in favor of this measure to protect public health by citing staggering rates of obesity and scientific research linking obesity and sugary drinks. Meanwhile, in 1985, Texas adopted a law that made wearing a seatbelt a requirement––even for adult drivers. What would Kantians have to say about the morality of each of these “for your own good” laws? 4. In 2013, Edward Snowden was a CIA employee. In the course of his work, he discovered that U.S. government, with the help of foreign governments and independent companies, has been running surveillance programs on millions of Americans by accessing and storing phone calls, e-mails, web searches, and other communications. Snowden leaked this classified information to some journalists to expose the surveillance activity. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed charges against Snowden for violating the Espionage Act and for theft of government property. How would Kantians assess this situation? 5. Carli recently made an appointment for her yearly physical with Dr. Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein always enjoyed seeing Carli, a motivated and responsible teenager who, at 17, seemed to have direction and plans for her future. In accordance with Dr. Goldstein's office protocol, Carli's mother remained in the waiting room during the visit. Dr. Goldstein noted that Carli had lost about 7 pounds since her last visit 6 months ago, but she did not appear grossly underweight. During the HEENT exam, Dr. Goldstein saw some dental enamel erosion on the posterior surfaces of her teeth. He also detected mild enlargement of her parotid glands bilaterally. After completing the physical, Dr. Goldstein explained to Carli that he was concerned about bulimia. At first, Carli flatly denied any binge-purge behavior. Dr. Goldstein suggested that Carli go down the hall to the lab and give a blood sample so he could get some screening labs. Her screening blood work showed mild hypokalemia, increased serum amylase, and a normal CBC. Dr. Goldstein showed these results to Carli and explained that they were highly suggestive of bulimia. Sighing, she admitted to bingeing and purging during the past 5 months. She explained that she would get the urge to eat and then feel as though she couldn't stop eating. Afterwards, she felt guilty and purged by vomiting. Carli begged Dr. Goldstein not to tell her mother. "My mom is under a lot of stress right now since her sister was diagnosed with cancer, and I don't want her stressed out with my problems,” she explained. She promised to work with Dr. Goldstein to stop her behavior as long as he did not tell her mother. Carli promised to come in for weekly weight checks and exams or do “whatever,” so long as Dr. Goldstein kept her secret. Dr. Goldstein was concerned about Carli. He knew that her physical manifestations and lab values showed that she was probably sicker than she realized. However, she was 17 and had been a reliable patient in the past. How would a Kantian advise Dr. Goldstein?