3. Kant: the categorical imperative Flashcards
syllabus definition of CI
a command to act that is good in itself regardless of consequences
explain the CI
Kant’s categorical imperative is an unconditional and universal moral principle that applies to all rational beings, regardless of their desires or goals.
It is based on the idea that actions should be performed for their own sake, out of duty, rather than as a means to some other end.
it provides a framework for evaluating the morality of our choices and behaviours.
what do the three formulations do?
show whether a moral maxim is to be accepted as universal law
Formula 1. book - quote - definition
- FORMULA OF THE LAW OF NATURE (WHEREBY A MAXIM CAN BE ESTABLISHED AS A UNIVERSAL LAW)
In Kant’s ‘Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals’ - he says
‘Act only on that maxim which you will that it become a universal law’
This means that - when making moral decisions, you can only act in a way that you would accept for everyone to do.
Maxims can be tested if they can be applicable regardless of circumstance and individual
Formula 2. book - quote - definition
- FORMULA OF THE END IN ITSELF (WHEREBY PEOPLE CAN BE TREATED AS ENDS THEMESLEVES AND NOT MEANS TO AN END)
In Kant’s ‘Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals’ -
‘Act as to treat humanity…in every case as an end, never as a means’
This means that you may not use others in the pursuit of an ethical end.
E.g. knocking down a house to build a food bank in its place.
Kant argues that it is self-contradictory to act in a way that devalues the worth of the human being, whilst seeking to do something for the good of human kind.
ALSO- Kant argued that self-worth is important. You cannot undervalue yourself when seeking a moral end.
E.g. it would be wrong for X to starve to give to Y, since X is of equal value to Y.
It may be admirable to help others but not at the expense of self destruction or self harm.
Formula 2. book - quote - definition
- FORMULA OF THE KINGDOM OF ENDS (WHEREBY A SOCIETY OF RATIONALITY IS ESTABLISHED IN WHICH PEOPLE TREAT EACH OTHER AS ENDS AND NOT MEANS)
In Kant’s ‘Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals’
‘Act according to the maxims of a member of a merely possible kingdom of ends’
The kingdom of ends is a state of affairs in which all members of society desire the same good. This is a society that moral laws are designed to achieve. This good is the common end of humanity.
This universal kingdom of ends must be pursued.
Proper rational use of the categorical imperative will lead us to moral truth that is fixed and applicable to all moral agents
what is a contradiction in the law of Nature? +quote
To universalise a law one has to work out whether it is a contradiction in the law of nature.
Kant gives the example of a man who makes the maxim ‘When in need, I will borrow money and promise to repay it though I know this never will be done’.
This maxim is a contradiction in the law of nature because if it became a universal maxim it would nul the credibility of any promise, as Kant suggests, it would turn all promises of trust into ‘empty shams’
what is a contradiction in the will + quote
Kant gives the example of a man who refuses to help others. The maxim ‘I ought not to help others’ conflicts itself as, if universalised, this man would, as Kant suggests ‘rob himself of all hope of the help he wants from others’.
