Kant's Moral Philosophy

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.