Examples Of Kant's First Formulation

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Kant’s first formulation of the categorical imperative states, “in terms of the form of universality (act such that your maxim could become universal law).” Kant’s first formulation and theory holds on the assumption that reason alone can distinguish between a moral act and immoral act. His first formulation also depends on the basis of a maxim. A maxim, in Kant’s formulation, acts as a recipe of how to conduct your self morally. Kant’s first formulation serves as direction and guidance for behavior in certain situations. A maxim is accepted when everyone can follow it without creating a contradiction. Kant defines a contradiction as a maxim that makes human relationships impossible to engage in. He provides several examples of what he refers …show more content…

These examples are used to support his idea of the first formulation of the categorical imperative. Kant believes that reason alone distinguishes what you can and can’t do. Simply speaking, if you universalize a maxim or duty you will know if it is moral or not based on if it is a contradiction or not. More specifically, a contradiction is inconsistent to the natural order of things or law of nature. Therefore, if it is inconsistent it is illogical and violates reason and then the principle of …show more content…

If everyone were to commit suicide and everyone died, nature itself would cease to exist. It is not logical to commit suicide when it would fail to be a rational universal law. If everyone failed to pay his or her debts no one would ever lend money. It is not logical to borrow money without the intention of paying it back because if everyone did this there would not be a stable monetary and banking system. The world’s economical means of commerce would cease to exist. Then if everyone spent their life in slothfulness no one would benefit from the advancement of human capabilities and capacities. For example, there would be no such advancement technologically and scientifically wise in the world. Lastly, if everyone was heartless then no one could find assistance in times of need. There would be no trust or support from one another. Through these examples the functionality of society would be lost when an illogical duty or maxim is

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