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Comparing Kant's Explanation Of Categorical Imperative

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“Categorical imperative may be defined as a way of evaluating motivations for action.”[1].According to Kant, “human beings occupy a special place in creation, and morality can be summed up in an imperative, or ultimate commandment of reason, from which all duties and obligations derive.” [1] He defined an imperative “as any proposition declaring a certain action (or inaction) to be necessary.”[1]It shows the relationship between rational objective rules and will which, as far as its subjective nature is concerned, is not necessarily decided by the rules. It involves meaning of compulsoriness, obligation. It is a practical rule through which, as far as action subject is concerned , his casual action is turned into necessary action. Its basic …show more content…

A hypothetical imperative is represented in the form of if-clause:“If you want x in the circumstance C, do A. “(Page 448, [2]). It involves the relationship between end and action. It regards action as means for end. The action is inconsistent with end. It can’t become moral law. By contrast, According to categorical imperative, End directly determines action and the end is not external to the action. It stands for moral law. Hypothetical imperative is perceptual, it results from pursuing pleasures and avoiding pains in life while categorical imperative is rational and there is no relationship between action and end; it’s unconditional, not constrained by desire, interests, etc. or …show more content…

If you are making a lying promise, then you are acting not upon a universal law which abstract from everything empirical. The reason for you not to keep your promise may be that you are concerned with some unpleasant consequences that might be brought about by keeping your promise which shows you are controlled by your inclinations, your desires or your personal interests. And all these are just contrary to the moral law. And it is the same with the the second case: It is wrong not to offer help others. You don’t offer help to others not only just because of the above reasons. There is another very important point: you neglect your duty. Helping people in need is your duty. “Duty is the necessity of an act done out of respect for the law.”(Page 447,[2])” Besides, not offering your help to others means not respecting the law. “Respect for law is a purely rational motivation, quite different from and possibly opposed to even the strongest desire. “(Page 447,[2]). Not offering help to others suggests that irrational motivation outweighs sense of duty, and it is an example of showing no respect for law. So I think Kant is right to say that neither of these actions confirms to the moral

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