Kant's categorical imperative from "summary" of The Psychology of Moral Development by Lawrence Kohlberg
Kant's categorical imperative is an ethical theory that asserts that one should only act in ways that could be willed to become a universal law. It is based on the belief that all actions should be treated as if they were universal laws that everyone should live by.- Immanuel Kant formulated the Categorical Imperative as a way of determining an objective moral code, based on universal principles applicable to all individuals.
- The Categorical Imperative states that all moral actions must be carried out with respect for its universality; it provides a concept of morals which values autonomy and social responsibility alike.
- There are three main forms of the Categorical Imperative: Firstly, to act in such a way that one's actions could become a universally accepted law; secondly, to treat others with respect and dignity no matter the scenario; and thirdly, to act in accordance to one's personal convictions about morality.
- According to Kant, each individual is responsible for their actions and should strive to do what is right by conforming to the Categorical Imperative.
- The Categorical Imperative is an influential aspect of many philosophical discussions regarding traditional ethical theory and modern approaches to morality.
- Since the Imperative entails universal rights and responsibilities, it stands to reason that society should be governed by this principle in order to ensure everyone’s welfare.
- One key point of the Imperative is that morality should never be acted upon as a means to achieve an end; instead, it should only be acted upon for the sake of fulfilling a moral principle or rule.
- Kant argued that the existence of morality is necessary in order to bring out the best in humanity, allowing us to coexist in a fair and just manner.
- Thus, the Categorical Imperative can be seen as a call to live ethically according to the internal dictates of conscience and reason, and without reliance on external authority.
- It insists that there is a higher moral standard that people should strive to uphold, rather than just reacting to immediate consequences or decisions made based on convenience.
