Categorical Imperitive

Kant’s categorical imperitive is the idea that everybody falls victim to this command without exception.  The command being that, though shall act only in such a way that you could will your maxim into universal law (Kant).  The maxim being a means to end, e.g. if you want to get good grades go to class and study.  And the universal law being a concept that everybody in the universe accepts.

It is clear that the concept of lying goes against the categorical imperitive because it is a means to end that is not accepted by the universe.  It is our duty not to lie because lying leads to chaos and mayhem.  Therefore our duty is to tell the truth in regards to the categorical imperitive.

~ by Jon Rothman on November 4, 2007.