Applying Kantian Ethics to a Westernized Social Credit System

Abstract

Due to the popularity of new gamified systems such as summer reading programs, language learning applications, positive behavior intervention systems, loyalty rewards programs and more, humanity is being primed to become homo ludens, or man of play. Due to this, inevitably, a social credit system, similar to the one that is currently implemented in China, will become a reality in America. This thesis first determines the elements of a social credit system that would be feasibly implemented in the United States. Kantian ethics is used to determine the moral worth of this hypothetical system due to its emphasis on human dignity, autonomy, community, and privacy. Every element of a potential Westernized social credit system is assessed as either morally permissible or impermissible under Immanuel Kant’s deontological framework. It applies his Universal Law Test, Formula of Humanity, and the Kingdom of Ends. The thesis concludes that if a social credit system is completely voluntary, is designed to reward following perfect and imperfect duties, aligns incentives with intrinsic moral motivations, does not allow people to buy points, and does not include a leaderboard, it is morally permissible, but not a moral obligation.