What is morally permissible? What is morally obligatory? These questions form the core of a vast amount of philosophical reasoning. Kant here developed a basis for the answers. In this book, Kant asks what sort of maxim might function as a guide to appropriate action under a given set of circumstances. By universalizing such a maxim, would morally permissible behavior not become clear? Suppose that everyone were to behave in accordance with this maxim. If everyone followed the maxim in the same way without harm to civilized culture, then the behavior would be morally permissible. But what if no one followed the maxim? Would civilization thereby be at risk? In such a case, the behavior would be morally obligatory. Kant's test, known as the Categorical Imperative, is a logical proof of the Golden Rule and the centerpiece of this work. It constitutes his best-known contribution to ethical discussion, and a familiarity with his reasoning in this book is essential to students of philosophy, religion, and history.
- ISBN10 1374818232
- ISBN13 9781374818231
- Publish Date 24 May 2017 (first published 1 January 2004)
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint Pinnacle Press
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 90
- Language English