Essay
The Categorical Imperative and the Humanity Formulation
- Course
- Institution
The Categorical Imperative and the Humanity Formulation exam question
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
charlotte_logan
Reviews received
Content preview
Charlotte LoganThe Categorical Imperative and the Humanity Formulation
Explain what is meant by the Categorical Imperative. (5 Marks)
The Categorical Imperative is to act only on that maxim through which you can at the same
time will that it should become a universal law. This was founded by Immanuel Kant. An
example of a rule that fits with the categorical imperative is “do not steal” as it can be
universalised, and we can imagine a world where no one steals. A rule should only be put in
place if it can realistically be universalised and fit to everyone’s life.
Explain what is meant by the Humanity Formulation. (5 Marks)
The Human Formulation is a version of the categorical imperative which states act in a way
that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other,
never simply as a means, but not always at the same time as an ends.
Explain Kant’s test of contradiction of concept and contradiction of will.
The Categorical Imperative is to act only on that maxim through which you can at the same
time will that it should become a universal law. We must go through tests (contradiction of
concept and of will) in order to see if something coincides with the Categorical Imperative.
Contradiction in conception is the test whether we can will a maxim to become a universal
law can be failed. If it fails, it becomes self-contradictory for everyone to act on that maxim.
It would be impossible for everyone to do it so does not fit with the universality. For
example, if everyone stole, property and ownership would have no meaning or value so
society would fail. This highlights how we have a perfect duty not to steal.
The second test is contradiction in will. This is a test for whether we can will a maxim to
become a universal law can be failed if, although the maxim is not self-contradictory, we
cannot rationally will it. For instance, a maxim never to help others, when universalised
would result in a world where no one would want to help me. As I will eventually require
help, it would be a contradiction not to help others. This shows how we have an imperfect
duty to help others. We have a choice whether to fulfil these and if we do it would
subsequently lead to praise.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller charlotte_logan. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $6.20. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
77973 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now