Explain what Kant meant by the categorical imperative.

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Saori Yoshimoto 12J 2004-01-25

Explain what Kant meant by the categorical imperative

The categorical imperative is a term, which Emmanuel Kant originated. The term allows us to acknowledge which actions are compulsory and which are not allowed. It indicates an absolute, an unconditional requirement that allows no exception; it is not a means to another end but to the end itself.

‘All imperatives command either hypothetically or categorically. If action would be good simply as a means to something else, then the imperative is hypothetical; but if action is represented as good in itself… then the imperative is categorical.’ – Immanuel Kant

Kant believed that morality was dictatorial; he argued that once you acknowledge something than that bases your future actions. The acknowledgement is a reason for doing something. Kant believed that moral requirements were categorical.  He stated that al moral statements were clear-cut as they order actions without thinking of consequences.

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There are three main principles in categorical imperatives. The first basic principle of morality is: ‘let the law be the sole ground or motive of thy will’ kant believed that the law had the ability of inspiring respect through reasons of universality and necessity and that people’s actions were sometimes determined by respect for the law and without regard to the consequences of the actions prescribed.

The ‘universal law’ ‘Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.’ The main idea of this and the categorical ...

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