Crane & Matten (2010/16) - Non-Consequentialist Theories - Duty/Kantian ethics

5 important questions on Crane & Matten (2010/16) - Non-Consequentialist Theories - Duty/Kantian ethics

In the ethics of duty/kantian ethics, it is suggested that there are categorical imperatives (from Immanuel Kant). What does this suggest?

Things are either categorically right or wrong and those that are wrong, you should not do it in any situation regardless the consequence.

What is the main principle of this theory, of the categorical imperative framework through which the principles can be derived? Also Maxim 1. Does the action reflect the aspect of consistency?

"Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

What does the main principle of this theory mean? In terms of that you should universalise the act?

Are you ok with everyone following that action in any situation?
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What is the best way to approach this theory? What questions should you ask yourself in order to determine whether or not something is right or wrong?

Think about how this act would apply consistently across everyone in every situation and based on that you decide whether something is right or wrong.

What are the other 2 parts of the categorical imperative?

Maxim 2: Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only.
Maxim 3: Act only so that the will through its maxims could regard itself at the same time as universally lawgiving.

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