Kant s Categorical Imperative For Moral Rightness Essay

Kant, the founder of Kantian ethics, believes that the moral rightness of an action is not dependent upon the consequences but rather the intentions of an action. Additionally, Kant believes in The Categorical Imperative which serves as a rubric for moral rightness. However, the implications of this principle apply to everyone and cannot be disputed1. One formulation of the principle is known as the universalization test where one must only act according to a maxim that can be willed as universal law. For example, Kant believes that under no circumstance shall someone lie. This statement can be applied to all persons and it can be rationally willed by all persons. Another formulation of The Categorical Imperative is the means-to-an-end test where humanity must always be treated as an end and never only as a means to an end2. An example of this would be a taxi driver whose occupation is the transportation of an individual from one place to another. The rider in the taxi must acknowled ge the autonomy of the driver of the taxi instead of simply viewing the driver as a means of transportation. If The Categorical Imperative can be passed, then the action is viewed as morally right. Utilitarianism is a normative ethical theory that focuses on what an individual should do, rather than what they must do. This division of ethical theory dictates an action to be morally right if the consequences of the action produce the greatest benefit for those affected by the action.Show MoreRelatedEssay on Immanuel Kant’s Non- consequentialist Ethical Theory 1369 Words   |  6 Pages1. Introduction According to Immanuel Kant the driving force behind our actions should be dictated by what is inherently good as sole consideration and not be based upon the effects of what such actions may produce such as the case in the consequentialist theory of cause. 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