The Categorical Imperative, Formation of Universal Law and The Utilitarian Reaction Kantian philosophy outlines the Universal Law Formation of the Categorical Imperative as a two part test, a method to determine the morality of an action. Initially a maxim is created, it is then considered whether this maxim can possibly be a universal law, applicable to all rational beings. This is arguably the most important part of the categorical imperative. Secondly, it is determined whether …
showed first 75 words of 1317 total

showed last 75 words of 1317 total
…basis. In fact, utilitarianism considers happiness to be the only worthwhile end. The defenders of utilitarianism argue that this line of thinking carries the universality in the fact that it considers the greatest happiness of all beings, instead of just individual happiness, but, this morality is often based on highly unpredictable and changing consequences. A not all-too-realistic view when trying to make a moral judgement on all of the possible outcomes of an individual action.