Categorical Imperative Kant

Immanuel Kant is one of the greatest philosophers who lived in the 18th century. Brought up in a family of staunch Protestants, Kant lost his father at an early age when he just enrolled into campus, which nurtured his responsibility. The philosopher’s accounts on imperatives are clearly outlined in his work of “The Groundwork of Metaphysics of Morals.” Several critics have had the perception of “absolute” morality; thinking that situations do not bear what ought to be done (Kant, Gregor and Timmerman). Some critics also feel that Kant was an absolutist in the sense of morality, an assertion that might not be ruled out. However, the philosopher’s account of moral theory, which he discusses in categorical imperative, is apparently not applicable …show more content…
It is put clear in the philosopher’s statements, which states, “Act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it becomes a universal law” (Kant, Gregor and Timmerman). In personal point of view, this assertion could mean that people only need to act according to reasons that are applicable to similar situations. The same circumstance can be taken into account by the universal law. For instance, universal maxim states that “Pay back your debts unless it would be more respectful to not do so.” Ostensibly, the claim is valid, but only to particular circumstances. It is always respectable and appropriate to pay the debts that we owe each other, but only if the debtor deserves to be paid at that moment. A good example why I concur with the philosopher in this assertion is this; I owe my friend an amount of cash and he needs it back. However, the sole reason is that he needs to go to the bar and drinks himself silly because he just had an argument with his wife. At this point, it would only be rational that I give him back the money after solving the issue with the wife. At this point, the categorical imperative takes action in the moral