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SlidesArgument.pptxKant, Nagel and Reason
Kant, Nagel and Reason
Constructing Arguments with Kant and Nagel’s Theories
What is Categorical Imperative?
Categorical Imperative is the supreme command of Reason.
Let us se Kant’s observation on it. He proceeds by making distinction between “hypothetical imperatives ‘ and “categorical imperatives.”
“Hypothetical imperatives declare a possible action to be practically necessary as a means to the attainment of something else that one wants (or that they may want) (102).
Continued
So it seems that “hypothetical imperative” is guided by one’s one need or desire and could be selfish for that reason.
Now let us see the definition of “categorical imperative”:
“A categorical imperative would be one that represented an action as itself objectively necessary, without regard to any further end.” (102)
So, the important points to remember:
“an action as itself objectively necessary.”
Continued
And “without regard to any further end.”
The action is objectively imperative and not guided by anybody’s selfish desire or need
And it does not think of consequences. It does not think of the means.
It is selfless, guided only by Reason.
Maxim and Universal Law as Criteria of Categorical Imperative
Let us see again the observation on “the Categorical Imperative”:
“Act only on that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”
So, the guiding principle or the ethical rule is to conform to principle or maxim that it gets transformed into a universal law.
It reminds us of Nagel and then the Indian philosopher Amartya Sen as well as Buddhist philosophy and I shared with you their views.
Constructing Argument: Modus Ponens
If A then B
If all the presidents of the world have consideration for other nations because that is a Categorical Imperative , (Kant here in ethical reasoning), then there will be peace in the universe.
A
All the presidents of the world have consideration for other nations according to the Categorical Imperative.
Therefore, B
Therefore, there will be peace in the universe.
(modus ponens)
Modus Tollens
If people have equal access to all privileges in society according (to the theory of universal law)), then everyone will be rich.
Not B
Everyone is not rich.
Not A
Therefore, people do not have equal access to all privileges in society.
