Study Set Content:
Lying can be successful only if we use other people’s
ignorance
Lying can be successful only if we use other people’s ignorance. But in this case we are treating them only as a
means to our end
- teaches that the categorical imperative is founded on two principles:
Kant
- Kant teaches that the categorical imperative is founded on two principles:
1. Principle of Universality
2. Principle of Humanity
This principle states: “Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”
Principle of Universality
This principle states: “Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply a means, but always at the same time as end.”
Principle of humanity
is the rule or principle on which you act
Maxim
For example, I might make it my maxim to give at least as much to charity each year as I spend on eating out, or I might make it my maxim only to do what will benefit some member of my family.
For example, I might make it my maxim to give at least as much to charity each year as I spend on eating out, or I might make it my maxim only to do what will benefit some member of my family.
The command states, crudely, that you are not allowed to do anything yourself that you would (blank)willing to allow everyone else to do as well.
not be
You are not allowed to make (blank) for yourself.
exceptions
For example, if you expect other people to keep their promises, then you are obligated to keep your own
promises
More accurately, it commands that every maxim you act on must be such that you are willing to make it the case that everyone always act on that maxim when in a
similar situation
This formulation summons to treat every rational being including oneself, always as an end, and never as a mere
means
In other words, it stresses that we should not use a rational being as a mere
means
In other words, it stresses that we should not use a rational being as a mere means, as though he had no value in himself except as a means to my(your) (blank) end.
subjective
This principle is applicable for
oneself as well as to others
For example, in suicide, one uses (blank), a person, as a mere means to the end, which is the maintenance of tolerable conditions up to the end of life.
oneself
Similarly, the man who makes a promise to another one to get his things done, but does not keep it, makes the other person a
means
These imperatives command unconditionally.
· Categorical Imperatives
For example, don’t cheat on your taxes. Even if you want to cheat and doing so would serve your interests, you may not
cheat
