PHIL 2010 Lecture 12: PHIL-notes
Document Summary
Kant"s supreme principle the categorical imperative, which has several different versions. Kant states: act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means but always at the same time as an end (o"neill. A maxim is a rule or principle of conduct, a generalized description of the motive behind your action. A maxim expresses a person"s policy (o"neill 99). A maxim is an intention with a particular time, place, or person. Example- human beings have intrinsic values because they have dignity. Basically, their life means something and is worth something. Means: something that has values only relative to goals, something that has extrinsic value. Their lives are worth something, but usually used for a purpose. Animals can be used to kill, to eat, for their fur or skin, etc.
