Categorical imperative

Formula of the law of nature : universalisability

The action is right if the maxim (general rule) can be universalised

Kants 4 examples of universalisability

1. Lying

2. Suicide

3. Neglecting one’s talent

4. Refraining from helping others

Formula of the end in itself : means to an end

• Every rational being exists “as an end in himself and not merely as a means to arbitrarily used by this or that will”

• Should always treat people as an ends not as a means

• Do not use people as an end to your own end

Formula of the kingdom of ends

Evey individual should behave as though every other individual was an “end”

Treat people as you’d want to be treated

“I should think of my action as a rule of everyone”