Question

What is the categorical imperative, according to Kant? Why does Kant think that the categorical imperative does not direct us to consider happiness when we deciding how to act?

Answer 1

What is the categorical imperative, according to Kant?

Immanuel Kant was an influential philosopher who went against utilitarianism. He introduced the term categorical imperative. Categorical imperative is a universal moral law. According to categorical imperative

• We should respect humanity in other people.
• We are all have common rules for better society. Individual should follow that common rules
• We should behave rationally means we should evaluate situational factor while taking decisions.

In this way Kant explained categorical imperative.

Why does Kant think that the categorical imperative does not direct us to consider happiness when we deciding how to act?

Kant believed that utilitarianism is a invalid ethical perspective. Considering outcome happiness while judging an act is foolish thing according to Kant. Because some bad people do good acts to gain their personal goals. That acts also produce happiness but their intention is bad.

For example: A rich man can give $1000 as donation to impress his girl friend. A daily labor can give $10 as donation because he want to help others.

According to utilitarianism rich man did good act because he produced high happiness.But according to Kant rich man did bad act because his intention is impressing his girl friend not helping others. According to Kant daily labor did good act because his intention is helping others. That's why Kant think that the categorical imperative does not direct us to consider happiness when we deciding how to act