close
test_template

Kant’s Second Formulation of The Categorial Imperative

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 414 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: Dec 5, 2018

book icon Read Summary

Words: 414|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: Dec 5, 2018

Kant’s second formulation of the Categorial Imperative
book icon Read Summary
Summary
close

The essay explores Kantian ethics, specifically the concept of the Categorical Imperative, which asserts that decisions and actions should be universally applicable in similar situations. The Categorical Imperative theory is divided into four different formulations, all emphasizing the importance of following moral rules regardless of the outcomes.

The second formulation of the Categorical Imperative is highlighted as a valuable method for making moral decisions. It states that individuals should always treat humanity, whether in themselves or others, as an end and never merely as a means to an end. This means recognizing the intrinsic value and dignity of every person and not using them as objects for personal gain.

The essay applies Kantian ethics to real-world scenarios, such as theft in retail and contract-breaking in business. In the case of theft, Kantian ethics argue against it because a universal agreement permitting theft would undermine the concept of private property, which is essential in society. Similarly, breaking contracts in business would be morally wrong according to Kantian ethics because it would lead to the dissolution of contracts altogether.

The essay acknowledges the potential usefulness of Kantian ethics in promoting moral behavior but also highlights practical limitations when applied to everyday decisions where not everyone adheres to the Categorical Imperative.

Universal Ethics philosophy states that every decision made is only acceptable if it is applied universally in similar situations. This is also known as the 'Categorical Imperative’. According to Kant, individual moral commitments are considered categorical imperatives, and these commitments exist for a reason. The Categorial Imperative also states that a person must follow the rules no matter what the outcome is and should not be influenced by any wishes. The Categorial Imperative theory is divided into four different formulations. These different formulations advocate the same concept of following the universal command regardless of which the outcome may result.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

Kant’s second formulation of the Categorial Imperative can be a helpful method of moral decision making. The second formulation is a principle that tells us what we should do in any kind of situation. It states that you should act in a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, never just as a means but always at the same time as an end. Simply put, we should not use people as objects, but instead recognize the value and capabilities we all have.

If we were to consider certain business issues through Kantian ethics, we would be able to get to the root of the issue much more quickly.

An example of how Kantian ethics could be applicable to a business related issue would be theft in retail. This is a huge ongoing issue in the business of retail. Suppose an employee who is angry at their manager for a justified reason, steals from the store. Now, a universal agreement that permits theft, could never be in existence. This is because goods have a limited supply, and collective ownership is impossible, private property is developed. If a statement that permits stealing were universally accepted, there would be no private property. If we were all free to take from each other, nothing could ever be owned. Since we need some form of private property, a statement permitting stealing would be self-defeating. In conclusion, if the employee steals from her manager, theft is morally wrong.

Another example I found through research is something that happened with General Motors under Jose Lopez. He ripped up long standing contracts, ended many relationships, and demanded lower prices in order to cut costs for the company. But this ploy would not be able to pass the test of the categorial imperative. If a rule permitting the break of a contract was made legal, no contracts would exist. People wouldn’t enter a contract if they knew the other party would not honor it. A generalized rule that allows contract breaking would also be self-defeating.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

To conclude, I do believe Kantian ethics could be helpful in a world where all people followed the Categorical Imperative. The problem with this is that there are many people reject this practice or are unable to act freely. While it may give us a strong idea of what is moral, it might be useless when it comes to making many practical, everyday decisions.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

Kant’s second formulation of the Categorial Imperative. (2021, October 29). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/kants-second-formulation-of-the-categorial-imperative/
“Kant’s second formulation of the Categorial Imperative.” GradesFixer, 29 Oct. 2021, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/kants-second-formulation-of-the-categorial-imperative/
Kant’s second formulation of the Categorial Imperative. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/kants-second-formulation-of-the-categorial-imperative/> [Accessed 28 Mar. 2024].
Kant’s second formulation of the Categorial Imperative [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2021 Oct 29 [cited 2024 Mar 28]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/kants-second-formulation-of-the-categorial-imperative/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now