Wednesday, October 12, 2011

CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE

Thanks God for this philosophical refresher!

I've plunged my best foot forward in philosophy many years ago before computer and graphic design thing invade my mental faculty.

Today I'm perusing Immanuel Kant's "Categorical Imperative" that states:

"Act according to the maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

In other words "Do unto others what you want them to do unto you!" ha ha ha

Yeah, seriously that's how it is; although in the book the elaborations are quite painstaking but that is how it sounds.

Let me explain further.

If you are trying to do something you have to ask yourself "Will I be willing to let the morality or rule of my action be followed by everyone?" The rule will be the maxim of the act and the corresponding would make it universal. Because if you allow it, then there would be a great probability that the act you've done will be done to you soon; considering that we are just one circle of humanity in a small world.

If you have great reason to do it, then why can't other too!?

We all know about "white lies," right? Well, this doesn't work with Immanuel Kant. For him, lying is not acceptable even white lies. Because if lying becomes universal, then nobody would believe everyone - and that would be self-defeating.

Worst, if you don't want to be lied upon, then don't lie. What comes around, goes around. Nevertheless, you are not being hindered to do such act as long as you are willing to accept that it would be universally valid and acceptable - plus the consequence!

I suggest though, you read further HERE.

AMDG

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