the hypothetical n categorical imperatives

making synoptic links:

  • kant saw himself as modern-day socrates

  • truth can only be found through careful dissection of arguments

  • rational arguments alone would revel error

kant’s categorical approach:

  • to achieve a moral law which binds us unconditionally kant offers 3 formulas that must be used to uniform all law:

    1. the formula of the Universal Law of Nature

    2. the formula of the End in Itself

    3. the formula of the Kingdom of Ends

  1. ‘Act only on that maxim whereby which you can at the same time will that is become a universal law’

    1. formulate your maxim

    2. recast it as a universal law whereby all people must act in the way you intend to

    3. ask if this is conceivable? could a world where everybody does this exist?

      • if it fails to pass stage 3, this is a contradiction in conception

    4. if it could happen ask if you would rationally will it to happen? would you like to live in this world?

      • if it fails to pass stage 4, this is a contradiction in the will

  2. ‘Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means but always at the same time as an end.’

    • Humans are to be respected: they are not respected if they are treated as a means to some particular end: ​

    • EG exploiting people (tobacco farming).​

    • Also refers to the moral agent themselves. Self-worth is important. You cannot undervalue yourself when seeking a moral end. ​

    • Eg x should not starve to feed y as x is of same worth as y. Over kindness can lead to one’s own destruction.

  3. ‘The Kingdom of Ends is a world in which everyone is treated as an end in themselves, not as a means to an end.’

    • Kant encourages us all to act as if we are legislating members of this kingdom. IE: We decide the laws.​

    • Principles are the same for everyone so we are all qualified to figure them out.​

    • You should all realise the important role you play: it is everyone’s duty to follow maxims which apply to all people and to treat everyone as you would like to be treated: imagine everyone as a free, autonomous end!​’’