You are living in Amsterdam in 1943, and are hiding Anne Frank and her family in

Question

You are living in Amsterdam in 1943, and are hiding Anne Frank and her family in your attic. One day, a couple of SS officers knock on your door. You open the door, and they ask “are you hiding anyone in your home?” What, on Kant’s view, should you do? (Try to think of options beyond merely responding with “yes” or “no”). What do you think of Kant’s position on such a moral dilemma? Is it moral? Is it satisfying? Are there exceptions to moral laws and duties? If so, how can there possibly be moral laws, or duties (rules that I must obey, things that I must do) if there can be exceptions to those laws?

Explanation / Answer

Kant's Deontology is strictly adhering to one's duty, no matter what the consequences are. Kant's categorical imperative would ask to use the rationale for moral dilemmas like this. In this situation following Kant's ethics, it is morally incorrect to lie to the SS officers, but Kant wants to follow duty. Now, the duty in this scenario is to save the life of Anne Frank, hence, Kant would not mind, if one lies to the officers that Anne Frank do not reside here.

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