Categorical Imperative Analysis

“Kant holds that the fundamental principle of our moral duties is a categorical imperative” (Johnson & Cureton, 2018). Simply, categorical imperatives are actions that people choose to do or not do based solely on their morals. Whereas, “Hypothetical imperatives tell you what to do in order to achieve a particular goal” (Holt, 2009). For example, when people use an if/then scenario to arrive at a specific conclusion in order to accomplish a desired effect. In addition, Jeremy Schwartz published that “Recently, the idea that every hypothetical imperative must somehow be ‘backed up’ by a prior categorical imperative has gained a certain influence among Kant interpreters and ethicists influenced by Kant” (2010). Accordingly, by this view, morals …show more content…
Supporters argue that it is absolutely necessary in order to ensure the safety of the majority” (HRF, 2014). This reason is equally represented by both hypothetical and categorical imperatives. Hypothetically, if the violent prisoners are segregated in solitary confinement, then the security of the facility and the safety of officers and other inmates are enhanced. Categorically, violent prisoners must be restricted to solitary confinement because of the moral obligation of the department of corrections to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates in their care to the best of their abilities. Additionally, solitary confinement is applied as a disciplinary measure for offenders that become violent while incarcerated. “Without some sort of punishment for negative behavior, it would be nearly impossible for prison guards to maintain order within the prison walls” (Connectus, 2015). In this sense, solitary confinement is used as a hypothetical imperative in the form of an institutional rule to maintain control. If a prisoner attacks another prisoner, then they will be punished by being placed in solitary confinement for a specified