CAS PH 251 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Categorical Imperative, Kantian Ethics, Thought Experiment

• School: Boston University
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: CAS PH 251
• Professor: Russell Powell

Document Summary

Kant"s theory is a duty-based theory, not consequence-based theory. To act out of duty is to act in accordance with universal principles of reason, i. e. the moral law. Kant proposed a single overarching principle, which tells us whether a proposed action is consistent with the moral law: the categorical imperative. ". 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). Hypothetical imperatives tell you how to rationally fulfill a contingent desire. The categorical imperative, in contrast, applies to everyone, everywhere, and everywhen no matter what desires one has. The first formulation of the categorical imperative (ci-1) Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. Two readings of willing": logical willing and a rational willing.