Kant's Moral Philosophy
An explanation of Kant's categorical imperative as a moral test: act only according to rules you could will as universal laws, with concrete examples of how lying, stealing, and cheating fail this universality test.
The Categorical Imperative
The categorical imperative is Kant's core test for whether an action is moral: act only according to a rule you could will to be a universal law. In other words — before you do something, ask: "What if everyone did this?" If the answer breaks down (lying, stealing, cheating all collapse when universalised), then the action is wrong. No exceptions, no matter the consequences.
People as Ends, Not Means
Kant's second formulation takes it further: treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as means to your own goals. Every person has inherent dignity. You don't get to use people as tools — no matter how noble your objective.
The Opposition
Machiavelli — the ends justify the means. People are tools for power. Morality is secondary to effectiveness.
Nietzsche — master morality. The strong shouldn't be bound by universal rules designed to protect the weak. Kant's framework is "slave morality" in disguise.
Discussion