Q. “Rational and autonomous human beings are always treated as ‘ends’ in themselves but not as ‘means’.” Explain this statement, giving its implications for modern technocratic society.
Ans: This statement, rooted in Immanuel Kant’s moral philosophy, emphasizes that every human being possesses inherent dignity and moral worth. As rational and autonomous agents, individuals should be respected for their intrinsic value, not used merely as tools to achieve external goals. Treating someone as a “means” implies instrumentalizing them for personal or institutional benefit, whereas treating them as an “end” affirms their freedom, agency, and right to self-determination.
Implications for Modern Technocratic Society
In today’s technology-driven and efficiency-oriented world, this principle holds profound relevance:
- Data Privacy and Surveillance
- Individuals must not be reduced to data points for profit or control.
- Ethical use of AI and big data must respect consent and autonomy.
- Labor and Automation
- Workers should not be treated as disposable assets in pursuit of productivity.
- Fair wages, safe conditions, and dignity in employment are essential.
- Healthcare and Bioethics
- Patients must be treated with compassion and informed consent, not as experimental subjects or cost units.
- Education and Human Development
- Learners should be nurtured as whole individuals, not just future economic contributors.
- Governance and Policy
- Citizens must be engaged as partners in democracy, not passive recipients of top-down decisions.
In conclusion, upholding the principle of treating humans as ends ensures that technological progress remains human-centric, fostering a society that values ethics, empathy, and inclusive development.
Read: OPSC Notes