Kant's Categorical Imperative: Formula Of The Universal Law

Also, there is another important aspect of Kantianism, which is called a categorical imperative. This is the aspect that helps us to constrain our maxims. In accordance to Kant, there are three different formulations of the categorical imperative: formula of the universal law, formula of the end-in-itself, and formula of the kingdom of ends. (White, 2015C, p. 2) The formula of the universal law is telling us about the maxims that can be transferable into a universal law, which means that the action taken out of that particular maxim can be applicable to anyone. The formula of the end-in-itself is explaining us that we should treat others in respect with their maxims, meaning that if they self-legislated certain maxims for themselves, we should be respectful to it. Finally, the formula of the kingdom of ends means that we should legislate maxims for ourselves as if we are legislating them for absolutely

As classical thinkers believed, “a thing’s natural end is its telos.” (White, 2015D, p. 1) Such belief applies to any living organisms existing in the world. The natural end is the reaching of perfection. In accordance to virtue ethics, when something has reached its potential state, it is assumed to have reached the perfection. For example, let’s take a look at a caterpillar. Caterpillar has a potential to become a butterfly in the future. It can’t become a human being or a bird. The only option for it is to become a butterfly. If we think about it from a potential point of view, the caterpillar is already a butterfly, but if we looked at it from the actual side – it is sill a caterpillar. In order to become a butterfly, it has to perfect itself. Classical thinkers like to look at things from the point of potentiality and actuality. What is actually one thing, one day potentially will transform into another one, but only if it strives and able to reach its natural