Abstract
This work deals with Kant's understanding of the basis for moral actions taken from his work entitled "The Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals." He believes that there is one criterion for moral obligation which he refers to as the "categorical imperative." A large part of this essay discusses the four ways in which this "categorical imperative" can be formulated.

From the Paper
"In presenting the one criterion for moral obligation, Immanuel Kant first rejects other moral traditions before his time: among them, the virtue theory, which bases morality on good character traits; and the consequential theory, which bases it on the consequences of actions. In response, he argues that moral actions are based only on a "supreme principle of morality," one that is objective, rational and freely chosen -- which he called the categorical imperative."

Tags:Kant, Categorical, Imperative, morality, obligation, objective, formula

Abstract
This paper agrees with Kant that the Categorical Imperative is very different from the Golden Rule. The author believes that the Categorical Imperative is clearly independent of the sentiment regarding the self; whereas, the Golden Role's moral strength comes directly from, and is dependent on, a sentiment regarding the self. The author concludes that the Golden Rule seems much more consistent with the irrational mess that is human morality and behavior and is an invaluable and simple tool for guiding moral decisions than is the Categorical Imperative.

From the Paper
"Kant himself more succinctly states his Categorical Imperative as "Act only on that maxim whereby thou canst at the same time will that it should become a universal law." Under Kant's Categorical Imperative, an action can only be considered moral if it fulfills three important criteria. First, the action must be judged to be universally acceptable. Second, the action must be judged to respect the dignity of persons. Finally, the judged action must be acceptable to rational people. Further, the Categorical Imperative must always be followed regardless of individual self-interest."

Tags:moral, sentiment, self, rational, acceptable

Abstract
This paper explains Kant's categorical imperative, and how it can create a system that can be utilized globally despite religious differences, while upholding the core values of Christianity. The writer lists some of the scandals that have plagued Merrill Lynch and then argues that by applying Kant's principles and formulating an ethical code to oversee all transactions based on Kant's categorical imperative, a stronger, more efficient, dependable company would emerge. A number of suggestions on how to effect this are provided, and the paper concludes by noting that Kant's principles can benefit any individual, corporation, or society.

From the Paper
"At the core of Kant's categorical imperative is the formulation that all humans should treat one another as an end and never as a means. Through the characterization of Christian principles, Kant turns out a system of ethics based on respect. All humans deserve respect and merit because they are all endowed with reasoning, free will, and thinking ability. If an individual values this reasoning in himself but not others, then he has undermined the principle all together; thus, creating a contradictory will. This theory by Kant asserts that reasoning is the same for all rational beings because it is self- recognized and internalized. The emphasis should be placed on Kant's choice of ''rational beings''."

Tags:fraud banker investment, Martha Stewart, Enron illegal mortgage

Abstract
This paper discusses the concepts of the hypothetical imperative and the categorical imperative in Immanuel Kant's "Grounding for the Metaphysics".

From the Paper
"The purpose of this essay is to examine Immanuel Kant's concept known as the determinate ground of any action, i.e. motive or maxim which is always presented in the form of a principle. Kant argued that everything in nature works according to laws, that the will is practical reason and that the determination of the will with respect to reason is necessary. In identifying principles on which action can be grounded, Kant distinguished between hypothetical and categorical..."

Tags:Immanuel Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics

Abstract
This paper is centrally interested in the definition of "objectivity" in the work of E. Kant, particularly in relation to his first first and second formulations of the categorical imperative. This paper explores the conventional interpretation of the notion of objectivity, and then offers a modernized understanding of the term.

From the Paper
"This essay holds that the application of the first and second formulations of Kant's moral doctrine the categorical imperative the purpose of which is to determine the morality of human action can and must be applied in conjunction. When applied in conjunction, it is shown that the two formulations prohibit and enjoin the same actions for the same reason. First, this essay explores the conventional interpretation of the first and second formulations of the categorical imperative. After mentioning the primary fault of this interpretation namely, the confusion surrounding the interpretation of the terms "objective" or "objectivity" a new interpretation is suggested."

Tags:philosophy, Neptune, Kantian, euthanasia

From the Paper
"This paper will examine the third formula of Kant's categorical imperative by scrutinizing the four illustrations he uses to prove his point. The categorical imperative is an attempt at a formal law which, if followed, will dictate and result in moral action. In the third formula of the categorical imperative Kant states that one must: "Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end." According to Kant this rule should fit any moral situation and any situation which does not fit this formula cannot be moral. It is this contention - that he has found a set of absolute guidelines - which will be questioned.

As a means, for it will be shown here that they are not ends in themselves, of supporting his third formula Kant employs four ... "

Abstract
The paper first explains Kant's theory of universal law, and defines key concepts and terms. The paper then goes on to argue that Kant ignores conflicting duties and external factors in morality. This argument is supported by hypothetical examples and quotes from philosopher Thomas Nagel's book, "The Last Word".

From the Paper
"Human beings guide their actions by instincts and selfish desires. How could it be possible to act differently? The philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote The Foundation of the Metaphysics of Morals as a set of axioms [principles or postulates] that can be used in constructing moral laws based on the use of reason. Kant in his ethics takes his point of departure from the concept of good will: "nothing in the world can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualifications except a good will." (Kant, 1959, p.9)"

Tags:autonomy, cant, ethics, evil, external, factors, foundation, foundations, good, goodness, law, maxim, metaphysics, moralist, morality, morals, nagel, philosophy, reason, theory, universal, values

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses Kant's theory of the categorical imperative in terms of a rational will and the individual's duty to exercise their talent.

From the Paper
"Immanuel Kant offered a categorical imperative in two formulations the first of which states that one should act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. This particular principle allows one to decide whether a particular act is or is not morally permissible. It presupposes that an individual is able to exercise his or her will in making such choices and further asserts ..."

Tags:Immanuel Kant, categorical imperative

Abstract
This paper examines how Nietzsche ultimately argues that Kantian reason in justifying the categorical imperative is enslaving. It explains that not only is the logic of the categorical imperative enslaving, but also it is ultimately cruel because it restricts the freedom of individuals and holds back the good from prospering. The categorical imperative argues that there is an inherent value to morality and that doing one's moral duty is an imperative.

From the Paper
"Kant further argues that actions can only be called moral if they are undertaken only for their own sake without regard to their ends and without regard to the specific of the situation. One must be willing to will his actions as a universal law in order for them to be considered moral. Nietzsche soundly denies this concept, arguing that morals don't have intrinsic value but derive their meaning from a historical event. Morals are contextual, and, even worse, a degradation and perversion of the natural order. Nietzsche discusses the manner in which morality developed to enslave the stronger among humanity, and how this historical "slave revolt in morality" has served to cruelly enslave man. Nietzsche believes that "bad conscience" has served to enslave humanity and pervades all of culture, rendering it cruel, harmful, and unnatural. In science, Nietzsche momentarily locates the possibility of an antidote to the morality of "good and evil," but due to the significance it places on truth, Nietzsche ultimately dismisses it, too. Only by transcending conventional Judeo-Christian morality can the cruelty of the culture of the categorical imperative ultimately be overcome."

Tags:logic, enslaving, morality

Abstract
This paper addresses differences between two versions of the famous categorical imperative in Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals. These formulations deal with the universal/objective and individual/subjective views of moral and ethical actions. There is some discrepancy between what ethical 'results' each formulation delivers, which is discussed in the paper.

Tags:PHILOSOPHY / KANT, contrast universal kant