Immanuel Kant
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I
mmanuel Kant’s categorical Imperative
Alexa Ylithai Hidalgo
El Paso Community College
PHIL-2306-B2 INTRO TO ETHICS
Omar Moreno
October 23, 2023
Immanuel Kant is the most influential philosopher who proposed categorical imperatives
as the basis of morals theory in his Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and
Critique of Practical Reason. The categorical Imperative belongs to Kant," As suggested
by Kant. There were two statements of the categorical Imperative, which served as an
objective for making moral choices. This writing will evaluate each formulation and
examine how they could build a peaceful society.
The first categorical Imperative refers to the principles of universal law; Lewis (2022)
states, "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it
should become a universal law." (p.309) In more straightforward words, it means that an
action is morally permissible only if you consistently say that everyone should act in the
same way without contradiction. This principle encourages individuals to consider the
universality of their actions, emphasizing that ethical actions must apply to everyone.
The second formulation of the categorical Imperative refers to the principle of humanity;
Lewis (2022) states, "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your person
or the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end but always at the same
time as an end." (p. 358) This formulation emphasizes the essential value of every
individual and the need to respect their dignity and autonomy. To create a peaceful
society, it highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the worth of each person.
Kant's categorical imperatives give a strong foundation upon which to base ethical
decision-making and could significantly contribute toward attaining peace in society.
These principles foster fairness by making people realize the importance of treating
everyone as equals to enhance mutual support and peaceful coexistence. Although they
provide helpful suggestions, finding a way of using them constructively and building a
secure society amid all kinds of moral dilemmas takes work.
It is a society where everyone's rights are recognized to belong and be morally valued
for themselves, even when acting in a spirit of duty, not self-interest. Therefore, people
should follow Kant's imperatives to act ethically rather than selfishly, choosing actions
conducive to peace and righteousness. Kant's categorical imperatives shed some light
on what it takes to create a tranquil community. These principles address behavior that
may result in conflict, discrimination, and unfairness concerning individuality and
universality. Following such ethics makes society just, respected, peaceful, and
harmonious.
Immanuel Kant's categorical Imperative is likely to bring about a peaceful society if
followed by the principle of respect for human dignity and autonomy. It also noted that
mutual respect among individuals would only occur when they see each other. They
would value human dignity and respect among citizens.
A perfect society would still depend on other factors, such as social, political, and
economic factors. Kant's imperative focuses on personal ethics but does not address
structural or systemic factors that may lead to social difference and conflict. However,
constructing a perfect society without conflicts is an abstract experience. However,
Kant's categorical Imperative is only an aspect of the broader efforts required to realize
a better and more peaceful world.
References
Vaughn, L. (2022). Doing ethics: moral reasoning, theory, and contemporary issues.
(6
th
edition). New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.,
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, June 8). categorical imperative.
Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/categorical-imperative
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