Consider Kant’s argument for the Categorical Imperative as the basis for moral judgments. Is this the best foundation for morality? Why or why not?
Please answer the question by narrowing the discussion to one particular aspect of Kant's theory. You may approach the question through discussion of any of the following topics:
1) Kant's argument for why moral truths must be grounded in pure reason, not experience.
2) Kant's argument that the Good Will is the only thing that is good without qualification.
3) Kant's explanation of actingfromduty.
4) Kant's discussion of categorical and hypothetical imperatives.
5) Kant's first formulation of the categorical imperative, the Formula of the Universal Law of Nature.
6) Kant's second formulation of the categorical imperative, the Formula of Humanity.
7) The application of the Categorical Imperative to an applied ethics situation (you may use the situation of lying for philanthropic reasons, for instance).
Please use the particular focus to answer the main question above, being sure to both givea general characterization of Kant's moral philosophy,as well as following our standard guidelines as included below.
A well-crafted paper will include the following:
- A clearly statedthesis, given to the reader close to the start of the paper.
- A clearly presentedargument, in which there are (1) premises presented clearly, each of which you can support, (2) clear movement of the argument from premise to premise, ultimately culminating in, (3) a conclusion which logically follows from the premises.
- Definitions or characterizations of thekey concepts and termsyou use in your argument.
- Consideration of a potentialobjectionto the case you are making. Why might someone disagree with you?
- Make sure you offerjustification for the claimsyou make, including the definitions that you give.