What is catergorical imperative in deontological ethics
The categorical imperative is a key concept in the ethical theory of deontological ethics developed by Immanuel Kant. It is the idea that individuals should act in a way that they would want everyone else to act in similar circumstances. In other words, it is a universal moral principle that applies to all individuals regardless of their personal desires or circumstances.
Kant formulated the categorical imperative in several ways, including the following:
1. The Formula of Universal Law: Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.
2. The Formula of Humanity: Always treat others as ends in themselves, never as means to an end.
3. The Formula of Autonomy: Act as if you were both legislator and subject in a kingdom of ends.
In essence, the categorical imperative emphasizes the importance of moral duty and the necessity of acting in a way that respects the inherent dignity and autonomy of all individuals. It provides a framework for making ethical decisions based on principles of reason and universalizability rather than personal desires or subjective emotions.