The Theory of the Categorical Imperative by Kant - Assignment Example

Kant belonged to a family background that was following the movement of pietism and he was even subjected to attend pietist school (Rohlf 1). During his school life, he was educated to believe in the external forces that control human behavior or the future. These schools were trying to make people believe that they should rely on the help of the divine and should seek help from them. But Kant was not ready to accept these teachings and he believed that human beings and their behaviors are a result of the independence they have in decision-making and their ability to think rationally.    Argument Kant’s ethical theory of categorical imperative states that ethical decisions are those which have been made based on the maxim (reason) that the individual taking that particular action or decision for another individual is even ready to accept the same decision or action being carried out against themselves when they are facing a similar situation or any other situation. Kant’s theory of categorical imperative is highly applicable in real-world situations because human beings are rational decision-makers and they may use the categorical imperative theory to decide what is wrong and what is right (Fieser 1).    Problems One of the criticisms of Kant’s theory has been provided by Hegel who believes that Kant’s theory is simply not applicable in the real world. He states that the problem with Kant’s theory is that it does not provide a clear guideline for identifying whether an individual had indulged in moral decision-making (Schopenhauer X). Another problem with Kant’s theory is that the theory does not even help in identifying behaviors and decisions that are moral or immoral. Furthermore, Schopenhauer believes that Kant’s theory is incorrect because following his theory people will be involved in making decisions based on ego and not based on sympathy. He states that thinking sympathetically is the main force that drives an individual to make ethical and moral decisions (Schopenhauer XI).   Conclusion Kant’s theory of categorical imperative was highly influenced by his early education. His theory states that the reason that should drive an individual to make a decision should be that the individual is accepting the same action or decision being carried out against him in a situation that is similar to the present one or in any other situation. The limitation of the theory is that it does not clearly define what actions are moral and immoral and the theory promotes egoism in ethical decision making which should not be a motive that drives ethical decision-making.  Read More