Contemporary Moral Problems

Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:

Immanuel Kant: The Categorical Imperative

Library Reference: N/A

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Moral-Problems-James-White/dp/0534584306/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233793391&sr=8-1

Quote:  “Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never as simply as a means, but always at the same time as in an end.”

    I think that this ought to be the most striking quote from Immanuel Kant’s chapter. It has so much into it. Based from what I understood from the quote itself, I think what this means is that, you must always be human. Act human, which means you should do what humans are supposed to do, in a good way or based on your religion. Love, care, share, and other things good, depending on your religion.

Learning Expectation:

    This is actually the first time I have ever heard of The Categorical Imperative. It really sounds esoteric to me, as I am not much into philosophy. With that said, I have no idea what the categorical imperative is all about, so I want to learn about it and how does it connect to ethics and as well as the other philosophical theories.

Review:

    Before discussing the categorical imperative, let’s begin with a brief introduction of the author. For this chapter, the author would be Immanuel Kant. Kant is a German and was one of the most important philosophers of all time. He made significant contributions to all areas of philosophies, which I find very amusing. For a philosopher who contributes to all areas of philosophy is something. Probably not something but it is a great achievement for him and as well as philosophy itself. Kant had written many books; the most important ones are Critique of Pure Reason, Prolegomena to All Future Metaphysics, and many more.

    Immanuel Kant believes that our moral duty can be formulated in one supreme rule, which is non other than the main topic of this chapter, The Categorical Imperative. It is known as from where all our duties can be derived. Although he has stated that there is just one rule, which he gives different versions of. Two of the rules seem to be distinct though. He concludes that the supreme rule or rules by considering the nature of good will and duty, which is actually discussed in this chapter.

    Asides from good will and duty, the categorical imperative will be discussed and be elaborated to give us an understanding of what it is all about. There’s also the distinguishment of hypothetical and categorical imperative. So basically, this chapter is all about Immanuel Kant’s philosophical theories and his beliefs.

What I’ve learned:

    I have learned in this chapter that Immanuel Kant is one of the most important philosophers of all time. It seems to amaze me how one person could contribute to every area of philosophy, which if you ask me to do is a headache. I think if you are not a philosopher fan or trying to be a philosopher, it’s hard to do these deep thinking and wonderings with all the things and mental aspects in this world.

Questions:

1.    Is Immanuel Kant the greatest philosopher?

2.    Was al his contributions in favor of all?

3.    How does his contributions affect philosophy?

4.    Does his philosophical beliefs change the world?

5.    Did it change the world for the better?

Citation: (James E. White, St. Cloud State University, 2003)