The Categorical Imperative

What is the categorical imperative?

An unconditional moral obligation that is binding in all circumstances + is not dependent on a person's inclination or purpose

What are the three formulations of the categorical imperative?

- Formula of the law of nature
- Formula of the end in itself
- Formula of the kingdom of ends

What are the three formulations used for?

To test our proposed actions

What is the formula of the law of nature?

- Generates absolute rules, with no exceptions, which are easy to follow

- Kant argued that rational beings understand what they should do (discounting desires + feelings), out of duty alone -> apply the categorical imperative consistently in similar circumstances to give us rules (e.g. “do not steal”)

What does Pojman say which supports the formula of the law of nature?

"Everyone who is ideally rational will legislate the same universal principles"

What does Rachel's say which supports the formula of the law of nature?

"Hypothetical oughts are possible because we have desires, categorical oughts are possible because we have reason"

What is the formula of the end in itself?

- Treat people with the respect that, as people, they deserve

- Treat yourself with the same respect as you would treat others

- People are free + rational agents who should therefore abide by their own maxims (assuming that such maxims have been tested against the moral law)

What is the formula of the end in itself also known as?

The respect for persons theory

What does Kant refer to the formula of the end in itself as?

The practical imperative

What does Kant say about the formula of the end in itself?

"So act as to treat humanity, whether in thine own person or in that of any other, in every case as an end withal, never as a means only"

What is the formula of the kingdom of ends?

- An ideal universal state where all members of that community are deserving of respect + treated as autonomous, rational + free individuals

- Kant argued that we all should regard ourselves as part of this Kingdom

- Act as if you were in the kingdom of ends + not pursue moral rules that assume others aren’t going to behave morally

What did Kant believe about autonomy?

- Believed everybody was autonomous + moral judgements should not be based on any empirical consideration about human nature or human destiny

- However, autonomy does not mean that everyone can decide their own morality but each individual has the ability to understand the principles of pure practical reason + follow them

- Pure practical reason must be impartial + so its principles must apply equally to everyone

Why did Kant believe that humans should be treated as ends in themselves?

Humans are rational + the highest point of creation -> demand unique treatment