Kant discusses two kinds of imperatives; the hypothetical and the categorical
نویسنده
چکیده
The normative claims in ethics are made based on what we value. The meaning we find in life will also be based on what we value. Thus, if a moral theory includes normative claims that are not consistent with the pursuit of a meaningful life; this indicates a problem in the theory. Such a problem exists in Kant's moral theory. Drawing on Susan Wolf's argument for reasons of love I claim that within the framework of the categorical imperative, there is no room for special obligations, which are a valuable and meaningful aspect of our lives. After considering a possible response that special obligations are accounted for within Kant's theory, I will conclude that they cannot be truly contained within a Kantian system without losing the meaning that gives them normative force in the first place. Kant discusses two kinds of imperatives; the hypothetical and the categorical. The hypothetical imperative is an imperative toward some end; one must will the means toward that end but it is hypothetical because only when willing the end must one will the means. Giving up the end is all it takes to rid ourselves of this principle. For example; if I want to build a house, I must will the means. This might be to hire a contractor, buy a piece of land, or go out myself and buy hammer, nails, and wood. It is an imperative; I must do these things if I am to build a house. But note that as soon as I decide I do not want to build a house I am no longer required to buy a hammer and nails, hire a contractor, or complete any of the other necessary steps toward the end of building a house. The categorical imperative is not dependent on ends. It requires action for its own
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