Kantianism is an ethical theory developed by the German philosopher, Immanuel Kant. The theory focuses on the correctness or wrongness of the actions themselves, as opposed to the correctness or wrongness of the consequences of those actions or the disposition of the actor (Holzhey and Mudroch 35). Kant's ethics further hold that people are bound to an ethical duty by universal ethical rules. Therefore, to act right in accordance with Kant's ethics would be motivated by appropriate universal principles that treat everyone as an end rather than just a mere means. The philosopher further asserts that being motivated by the right principles is what separates persons from animals and other things as they can act ethically and overcome their animal instincts. Principles or maxims behind actions are vital constituents in decrypting Kantianism.
Immanuel Kant introduced the concept of categorical imperative as the central point in his deontological philosophy. According to Kant, an imperative is any argument that declares a certain action or inaction to be compulsory. Categorical, in this context, means "not applicable to a particular person but to anyone under similar circumstances” (Holzhey and Mudroch 52). Therefore, categorical imperative can be viewed as a method of evaluation applied in unscrambling motivations for actions. Following this, according to the categorical imperative theory, one should act only in such a way that you would want your actions to become a universal law, applicable to every person in the same situation. This is in direct opposition to a hypothetical imperative whereby one is required to undertake a particular action in a given circumstance to a meet specific end. Therefore, conforming to the values of the categorical imperative concept leads to an ultimate act of morality.
Works Cited
Atwell, John E. Ends and Principles in Kant’s Moral Thought. Springer Science and Business Media, 2012.
Cholbi, Michael. Understanding Kant’s Ethics. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
Holzhey, Helmut and Vilem Mudroch. The A to Z of Kant and Kantianism. Scarecrow Press, 2010.
