The Deontological Bin Laden

When the smoke settled, the Pentagon, Twin Towers, four airliners, and thousands of innocent lives were destroyed. A thorough investigation revealed that Osama Bin Ladin, a leader in the Al Quaida terrorist organization, was allegedly responsible for the attack.

When America asked for answers many were shocked to find that this violence was supported by Muslim culture and religion. The name Islam means submission to the will of Allah and the obedience to his laws. Muslims universally believe that the Koran reveals much of the will of Allah as well as many of his laws. In the book of Sura chapters 2:91-93, Jihad is justified in the defense of Islam against any enemy. However, in the case of Christians and Jews, violence is demanded: “Idolatry is more grievous than bloodshed… fight against them until idolatry is no more and god’s religion reigns supreme.”

Muslims are taught that from the moment the first drop of a martyr's blood is spilled, he does not feel the pains of the injury and he is absolved of all his sin and he see

Bin Laden would also agree with Kant that it was necessary to treat every man as an end in himself only if he were Muslim. Although it appears Bin Laden uses Muslims for an end outside of themselves, under his beliefs each man who faithfully participated in Islam will have his end in heaven. Once again Kant’s standard is broken when applied to anyone outside of Islam. There have been countless accounts of how Muslim terrorists have manipulated others in order to fulfill their end.

In examining Bin Laden’s ethics, I have found that he and many other Muslims best fit into the deontological category. Although there are some variations, much of his ethical principles are similar to that of Kant’s. Even though both use similar ethical principles to live their lives, their actions in themselves testify to the great difference between each.

Bin Laden could be said to follow the categorical imperative if there could be a clause that Islam is a universal truth. However, assuming Islam is not universal; Bin Laden would break the categorical imperative. He would not want the Jews or Christians to declare a holy war on Islam. But he would still feel that it was necessary for Islam to fight their so called Jihad. This would oppose the categorical imperative.

Through contemplating Bin Laden’s apparent ethical system we are struck by similarities to Kant. Both men follow similar principles such as the categorical imperative, following duty regardless of outcome, and treating others as an end in themselves. Although much is the same we can

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