universalise an act , does not contradict itself but results in an undesirable world to live in
Hypothetical Imperatives
NOT moral commands
Give instructions on how to achieve something else
Categorical Imperatives
Absolute command that must always be followed
Absolute moral obligations
Every person is equally bound to follow the dictates of the Categorical Imperative
There are three things a Imperative must be
Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time that will should become a universal law
Act as if you are making rules for everyone
You can never use people (even yourself) in anyway that removes human dignity in order to reach your desired end result
Contradictions in the law of Nature
Universalising an act that would become contradictory to its self
Duty
Good Wills only motive is Duty
Some thing only contains good will if it is done out of your DUTY
Its only motive is awareness that the act is right in itself
Freedom
For Kant, it is vital that we recognise that we do have true freedom or autonomy of the will. with this freedom comes the responsibility to make a decision which is not swayed by desires or emotions
God
Inherent justice in the world that ultimately virtuous or good behaviour would be rewarded (Summum Bonum ('highest good'))
Immorality
Not all good acts are rewarded in this life
Reason
Objective view of the good based on reason
Moved away from Religion and Superstition , used Reason alone
Pure and Practical reason could lead us to ethical decisions which are Universally Binding and NOT influenced by Fads or Fancies.
Exists more or less in everyone
Good Will
If Moral law is to be Binding it must contain something which is good in itself, with out reference to anything else
The only thing Intrinsically good (Good in itself) is Good Will
The intention not the results of the act makes Good Will
Maxims
A maxim is a groundrule or subjective principle of action. In that sense a maxim is a thought that can motivate individuals.