Group 2: Kant-Ferriss

 Immanuel Kant would use Tim Ferriss as a prime example of how an individual should not behave in society. Ferriss' “overarching interest in gaming the system” directly violates Kant's categorical imperative, which states, “maxims must be chosen as if they were to hold as universal laws of nature.” If Ferriss' selfish and deceiving ways were the universal norm, there would be no progression towards enlightenment, for all individuals would be shaping their beliefs on false pretenses. For example, Ferriss would not want all travelers to take his advice of putting a pistol in their luggage, for then he would have no advantage. Kant would say that Ferriss' actions relate to the hypothetical imperative, for Ferris knows from experience that his strategy works in “diminishing or altogether eliminating the possibility” of losing luggage.

Kant encourages the sharing of ideas, and says that for enlightenment, “all that is needed is freedom,” of public knowledge, and the courage to spread personal beliefs in order to help others reach an enlightened state. However, he would say that Ferris is using his freedom in the wrong way. Kant says that “a man of learning may through his writings address a public in the truest sense of the word, he may indeed argue without harming the affairs in which he is employed.” While Ferris is not literally employed by the TSA, he is a workering member of a greater community, and by publicly advocating dishonesty, he is harming his “employer,” his colleagues and himself.

Furthermore, In Kant's system, a person is never to be treated as a means, but always as an end. Ferriss sees organizations and people as a means by which to gain an unfair and exclusive advantage. To Kant, “good action consists in mental disposition, not consequences.” Ferriss does not suffer any apparent consequences from his actions, but his mental disposition is selfish and corrupt, so his actions are bad. Ferriss is not unique is his actions. “Selfishness run amok is a national disease,” and Kant would say that this is due in part to immaturity and laziness. He would say to Ferriss and his converts, “have courage to use your own understanding!”