Explain what Kant meant by the Categorical Imperative.

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a) Explain what Kant meant by the Categorical Imperative (33 marks)

The categorical imperative is an unconditional command, which, for Kant, told us what our duties were. This is a deontological theory, which means it points to the actions that are good in themselves and pursue the ultimate aim of reaching supreme good, while also telling us which actions are forbidden. This theory is based on duty. To act morally is to do one’s duty, and one’s duty is to obey the moral law. This theory distinguishes between duty and inclination and accepts that if something can’t be done, then there is no guilt. They make no reference to desires or needs. He believed that the only way we can make selfless, rational moral decisions is by acting out of a sense of duty. Kant believed that if we ‘ought’ to do something, then it implied that we ‘could’ do it. It lets everyone know their duty in a situation. This view stands in opposition to teleological views such as utilitarianism, which if something is right or wrong is dependant on the consequences of the action. Kant claimed that moral language was unique because moral statements were both synthetic and a priori. This means that a statement is knowable without before experiencing from pure reason, but needs experience for verification.

Kant includes his universalisability maxim in this theory; ‘Always act in a way that the maxim of your action can be willed as a universal law.’ It is an absolute law that has no conditions and is consequently a method of making moral decisions. When making decisions, we should not follow our inclinations, but our duty, which is more than just personal preference.

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Kant felt that he ought to act in a certain way. He was aware of the difference between something being ‘matter of fact’, and something being regarded as an obligation or duty. He concluded that what is good and what is bad should begin with good will and that the highest form of good is goodwill. To have a good will is to do ones duty. To do ones duty is to do the right thing. The categorical imperative helps us to determine which actions are obligatory and which are forbidden. It tells us what we ought to do, "All ...

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