UNIT 1: CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE Flashcards
he’s the one who gave the name
immanuel kant
does not rest on some interest; thus, it binds unconditionally and morally
categorical imperative
a law by which reason unconditionally binds itself
categorical imperative
This theory focuses on the motive of an act and the means employed by an act.
categorical imperative
the moral worth of an act proceeds from two things
- the motive/intention
- the nature of the means employed by the act
two formulation of categorical imperative
- universalizability
- respect for person
some philosophers claimed that this theory is an attempt to
- summarize the ten commandments
- restate the golden rule
what is the golden rule
do unto others what you want others do unto you
act only on maxims that you
can, and at the same time, will to become a universal law.
formula of universalizability
major moral implication of the formula of universalizability
respect for person
Act always so as to treat humanity, in your own person or in that of another as an end in itself, never merely as a means.
respect for person
problems of categorical imperative
- unrealistically set very high standards of conduct attainable only by “angels and saints”
- sets to high a standard of morality
- people tend to attract categorical imperative, because of their unwillingness to abandon their
selfishness - follows a narrow and difficult road
how to apply categorical imperative in decision making
become more sensitive and respectful of the rights of other people
means knowing or understanding the problem
deliberation
means determining all possible alternatives or courses of action available to solve the problem
identification
