The Categorical Imperative

One of Immanuel Kant’s most famous and important works on moral philosophy is the categorical imperative which is the core of “The Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals”. Created in the 18th century, it is still up to date and provides a basis for reasonably thinking people to question their acts as if they could also become a universal law.

As my reflection is mainly on the categorical imperative I will skip the first part of his groundwork and go straight to the second part of the groundwork where Kant defines some different formulations:

1. Universality formula:

"Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it

should become a universal law without contradiction."

There are four important steps to fulfil this quote. First, you have to state a maxim and give reasons for your acting. Second, see if it would pass as a universal law. Third, see if there is no contradiction to the law of nature. A famous example here is the “suicide-case”. If you are not happy with your life, you could end it in order to avoid further unhappiness. As this case cannot be universalized it fails to pass the third step and therefore is a perfect duty (“You always have to...”). Last, there must always be a will to do it. An example for this case is the willingness to help other people. It passes the first three steps but fails the forth one. This is called the imperfect duty (“You sometimes should...”). If it passes all four steps your acting is

morally permissible.

2. Humanity formula:

“Therefore, every rational being must so act as if he were through his maxim always a legislating member in the universal kingdom of ends.”

The second formula derives from the first formula. The intent of this saying is the one that we should always treat humanity not only as a mean but as an end itself. Looking at security work there is a clear difference between dogs and bodyguards as you should always treat the bodyguard’s humanity not only as a mere mean but as...