Immanuel Kants “Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals” offers a rigorous foundation for evaluating morality, known as the categorical imperative. Categorical imperative: It is a moral law that states that an action should be judged according to its universal applicability. Kant's categorical imperative is based on the idea that all people should act in accordance with a moral code that can be applied universally regardless of personal feeling or circumstances. Kant argued that this moral code should be based on reason, not emotion, and should be considered binding on all people. For example, telling the truth, lying would lead to a world where nobody will be trusted. This essay will explore how Kant uses the categorical imperative to argue …show more content…
However, Kant explains that even if the man acts out of duty rather than compassion or emotion, his action still has moral worth. Kants points out that he is naturally inclined to do good, but rather by whether the action is done out of the moral law. The stingy man adopts the maxim of not helping others. A maxim is moral value an individual sets as a standard and follows it regardless of circumstances. This man's maxim can be formulated as follows: I will not help others when I am able to because I feel inclined to do so.. Kants universal law of formulation is part of his ethical theory known as the categorical imperative. The law essentially states that one should act only according to maxims that one would will to become universal laws. In other words, before acting you should ask yourself whether the principle behind your action could be universally applied to everyone without contradiction. Kant emphases that moral actions must be guided by duty and adherence to universal principles, not by the pursuit of personal consequences or desires. If this universal law was applied. Society would become a place where no one would need help from