Kant’s famous First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative reads, “Act only according to that maxim
whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.” Kant taught morality as a matter
of following maxims of living that reflect absolute laws. “Universal” is a term that allows for no exceptions, and
what is universal applies always and everywhere. Don’t forget about the second formulation of the categorical
imperative which states, “Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the
person of another, always at the same time as an end and never simply as a means.” It is just as important.
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address one of the following sets of questions:
What are the personal and/or communal ethical factors that may be involved in determining the moral position
of either side given a contemporary debate, such as those concerning animal rights, stem cell research,
abortion, the death penalty, and so forth?
Elaborate in detail the ethical positions arrived at by using the Kantian categorical imperative relative to the
long standing debate surrounding the death penalty or abortion. Argue the ethics from the point of view of the
prisoner or from the fetus
Evaluate the ethical positions in part two. You will want to detail whether they are convincing, logical, correct,
consistent, etc.
