1. Question of the Day!
If there was one rule that everyone had to follow all of the time, what rule would you make?

2. Kant’s Categorical Imperative

3. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Biographical Background
Lived entire life in Prussian city of Konigsberg where he was a professor
It was said that his life was so regular that his neighbors would set their clocks by his daily walks
When he was 57 he wrote a series of books that transformed the shape of philosophy and established him as one of philosophy’s greatest thinkers

4. Deontological Approach (Act-oriented)
Championed by Immanuel Kant
Asks if any action is the morally appropriate action for one person to take toward another person
Not worried about the short or long term consequences

5. Deontological Approach
You are required to do your duty regardless of what you think about it or its possible consequences
Categorical Imperative: An absolute rule that everyone has to obey all the time
“I should never do anything unless I can honestly say I believe everyone else should always do the same thing” -Kant
(Handout #1 and Scenario #1)

6. Categorical Imperatives
1. Universally willing the maxim of your actions
2. Don’t use people
What should everyone do in this situation?
Cut in line
Steal something
Break a promise
Murder someone

7. Kant on Intent Kant believed that Good will = moral intent
Virtues are not moral in themselves
Is being calm good? Strong? Smart? Clever? Intelligent?

8. Could a criminal be calm, strong, smart, clever, and intelligent and use those traits to do bad things?
Kant believes good will is the only absolute good

9. Bottom Line according to Kant:
Tell the Truth
Keep Promises
Do No Harm