Finals CLASS SHARING! What does this saying mean?

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Lesson 2
GE- Ethics
The Categorical
Imperative
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Lesson Objectives

At the end the lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. Define the essence of the categorical imperative and its

formulations
2. Analyze how the categorical imperative works.
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Finals The Categorial Imperative

Finals Finals What is Categorical
Imperative?

 the supreme moral principle, according

the Deontological Moral Theory of the
German Philosopher: Immanuel Kant

References: https://www.csus.edu/indiv/g/gaskilld/ethics/kantian%20ethics.htm
Finals Deontological Moral Theory

Virtue Ethics Deontology

 focuses on the  to be moral or to be
acquisition of virtues or good depends on the
good character traits fulfillment of our duty.
and achieving happiness
or well being to live a  In other words, morality is
good or moral life a matter of doing our
duty.

“He or she who does her duty lives a moral life.”

References: https://www.csus.edu/indiv/g/gaskilld/ethics/kantian%20ethics.htm
Finals Deontology

 Concerned with what people do and not about the consequence of

actions.
 What you do is what makes you moral or immoral
 Focuses on intention and motivation of action.

References: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/duty_1.shtml
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CHECKLIST: Deontology
Act
Intention
Motivation

“A good act is good in itself , good in intention, and

is a product of good will.”

References: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/duty_1.shtml
Finals Duty
 “ought to do or must do”

For example:

It is the duty of the parents to rear and educate their children.

It is the duty of the spouses to love, respect and support each other.

It is the duty of the teacher to teach the students well.

It is the duty of the students to study and learn and apply what he or she
has learned for his/her own good and for the good of others.

References: https://www.csus.edu/indiv/g/gaskilld/ethics/kantian%20ethics.htm
Finals Basis of Duty
 The basis or principle of duty, according to Immanuel Kant, is the
categorical Imperative.

Principle Imperative Categorical

 that from which something  A command  Absolute; not conditional
proceeds  You do it no matter what
 Example:
 All duties proceed or come happens, no matter what
 “Thou shall not kill.” the consequence is.
from the categorical
imperative  “Be honest even if  It is necessary and non-
others are not.” negotiable

References:
https://www.csus.edu/indiv/g/gaskilld/ethics/kantian%20ethics.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/duty_1.shtml
Finals Categorical Imperative
 Absolute command of reason

REASON…

• intrinsically knows that there are right and wrong actions by nature;
• gives an absolute command to do the right action and avoid the
wrong actions no matter the cost and consequence;

“All human beings have the same duty in as far as

they have reason or are rational.”

References: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/duty_1.shtml
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How do we know that what

Finals we are about to do is based
on duty?
References: Kant, I. (n.d.). Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals.

Finals Three Formulations of the Categorical

Imperative
First Formulation Second Formulation Third Formulation

 Act only according to  Act in a way that you  Act in accordance to

what is universally treat humanity not as the principle, "the
accepted. a means/utility to laws to which you are
achieve an end but subject are those of
as if they are the end. your own giving,
although at the same
time they are
universal."

 Before you do something, 
ask yourself first if the action
you are about to do is
universally acceptable.
To treat people as objects  The action that can be
or use them as if they are accepted universally will
mere instruments or tools is become an absolute law
always wrong. without exemptions,
including oneself.
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CHECKLIST: Duty
If the action you’re about to do is not universally accepted…

If the decision you’re about to make will treat a person as a mean…

If you think that your actions are beyond universal/absolute law…

Then don’t do it. It is not duty.

References: Kant, I. (n.d.). Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals.