CAS PH 251 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Hypothetical Imperative, Categorical Imperative, Bioethics
2 May 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Biomedical Ethics
Kant’s Theory
• The Categorical Imperative – a single overarching theory proposed by Kant, which tells
us whether a proposed action is consistent with the moral law
o This is a duty-based moral theory rather than a consequences-based moral theory
like Utilitarianism
o Essentially, people act out of duty (in accordance with the moral law) rather than
out of self-interest/fulfillment
▪ The moral law is derived out of reason
o Although this theory is more difficult to grasp than Utilitarianism, it is important
in the foundation of bioethics
• Hypothetical v. Categorical Imperatives
o Hypothetical Imperatives – tell us how to rationally fulfill a contingent desire
o Take the form of: “If I desire ‘X’, then I ought to do ‘Y’. “If I want to do well on
the exam (‘X’), then I should study hard (‘Y’).
o Kant believes this to be nonmoral
o Categorical Imperatives – tells everyone how to rationally fulfill contingent
desires regardless of who, where and what
o It contrasts from the hypothetical imperative because it applies to
everyone no matter what desires one has (categorical – applies to
everyone, imperative – must be done)
First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative (CI-1)
• CI-1 – The belief to act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time
will that it should become a universal law
o Maxim – a subjective rule/norm that governs behavior
• Question: What does it mean ‘to will’?
• Answer: There are two forms of ‘willing’: Logical Willing & Rational Willing
• Logical v. Rational Willing
o Logical Willing – says that one cannot logically will a rule to be a universal law if
it entails a logical contradiction (ex: lying – if everyone is lying then it would take
away the wrongfulness of the action)
o Rational Willing – says that one cannot rationally will that a maxim be a universal
law if it entails a society in which no rational person would want to live (ex:
charitable giving – although you can logically will to not give to charity, you
cannot rationally will it to be)
• Question: Why adopt the categorical imperative?
• Answer: By universalizing imperatives, it takes away the phenomenon of exceptions.
Essentially, you cannot be held to a higher or lower standard of behavior because it
would take away the notion that all persons are of equal worth).
o Kant wants us to imagine a world where everyone is held to the same standard
and question if whether living in this world would bring prosperity or chaos. You
cannot counterbalance duties
Kant’s Absolutism
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