Essays on Universal Law

Essay 1.

The universal formula of the categorical imperative is an objective law which proceeds from a subjective maxim – action and will. That is, when a given ethical consideration presents itself, a person must ask whether the action of his will agrees with nature (Kant 38). By its definition, the categorical imperative is the basis of duty. By nature, Kant means that which is objective, and that which exists as a part of nature – abiding by the laws of nature (Kant 38). Kant continues by stating that in ethical considerations, or duty, one must act subjectively through one’s will to ...

Categorical imperative is universal and it means that all the people have to act in accordance with the requirements of morality no matter whether people agree with them or not. Kant believes that it is the priority to be able to discern right actions from wrong actions. Universal law is of the utmost importance and the right actions are moral and have to be universal in similar situations. People have to behave in a way which is good for other people and for themselves as well because other people have to respect the same law. Kant says that the ...

German Philosopher Immanuel Kant views of morality were centered on the principle of good will. Kant defines good will as “the concept of a faculty of action according to a conception of universal law” (Deontology pg 9). This encompasses the belief that one’s motive is the determining factor in whether or not an individual possesses good or bad morals and, not the outcome of his actions. Thus, an individual who possesses good will shall only make decisions that they believe to be morally worthwhile regardless of the gains to be had or the possible outcomes. This is what ...

BUSINESS ETHICS

BUSINESS ETHICS

The quote implies that integrity is a universal standard that one needs to follow not because it is the law, or to please anyone, but because it is a desirable thing. In this regard, ethics guides one’s action all the time. It follows one would make choices objectively. Three things that arise from the quote an example are that values go beyond self-benefits, feelings or emotions and ethical choices should bring greater benefit to the majority Ethical considerations are not self-benefiting all the time. Kant’s categorical imperatives suggest that one need to act in such ...

Philosophy

Introduction “So far, about morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.”- Ernest Hemingway. The above quote by an eminent American writer speaks volume of the involvement of perception of different individuals in deciding any action, morally right or wrong. Some philosophers also had this belief that every individual has an inner voice, which can never encourage you to do anything wrong. However, it is necessary to listen to the same extremely attentively. They refer this inner voice as the voice of ...

The issue of moral community is a hotly debated topic by philosophers, especially in the field of ethics. It is paramount to realize that moral community refers to the beings that are held in high regard by an individual as opposed to a community or grouping of the people who act in a moral way. The “beings” in this context refers to the issues that a person has to consider their rightness before acting in a way that could affect them. For example, a person about to hit a wall may not be concerned whether it is right to ...

Martin Luther King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail remains one of the most famous essays written by Dr. King, and demonstrates his mastery of rhetoric as well as ethics. Dr. Martin Luther King penned the letter while in jail for protesting segregation and Jim Crow laws in the South, and for equality and over all civil rights for African Americans in the rest of the United States. King has always been considered the most important of the civil rights leaders of that period, and the eloquence and his masterful use of rhetoric and other persuasive techniques on display ...