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Kant's Categorical Imperative

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Deontological ethics is a branch of moral philosophy that deals with the morality of certain kinds of actions which are right or wrong by themselves and does not focus on their consequences or the characters of actors-moral agents. Immanuel Kant was one of the most famous philosopher and deontological ethicist of the eighteenth century, who had given great contributions to the development of the deontological ethics. Kant proposed the Categorical Imperative - a moral code that every rational being should follow at any circumstances. The term Categorical denotes the inclusiveness of all individuals of the world and the Imperative highlights the Kant’s conviction that there exists the moral criterion for making decisions. (Cardar, 244). Kant …show more content…

In hypothetical imperative there is a purpose of every action. That is to say, “If you want to pass the exam, then seek a best tutor.” Hypothetical imperative is basically like the consequentialism. This type of morality is not accepted by Kant. Kant’s morality is totally based upon the Categorical Imperative, which is based upon the rightness or wrongness of action rather than its consequence. Kant encouraged us to perform right acts. Furthermore, Kant argued that morality should not vary from individual to individual. (Cardar, 244) . Kantian ethics focuses on not doing wrongs acts like killing people, stealing things, cheating in examination and, making false promises to people. These actions should never be done regardless of the consequences because it is the moral obligation of every individual to be …show more content…

What Kant expects people to follow is the motive of duty in order to have moral worth of their actions. People should perform acts for the sake of the moral code or law. Some people do charity just because they are forced to do. For instance, some students might volunteer in events like food banks, hospitals etc to include activities in their resume in order to get admission to good reputed colleges. According to Kant, this action does not satisfy the criteria to be included in moral worth because it is done for the sake of self-benefit not as motive of

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