What is the central ethical principle of Immanuel Kant's 'Categorical Imperative' in moral philosophy?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. act only on universalizable maxims
- Step 1: Kant's deontological ethics asserts that moral duty is absolute and independent of consequences. His formulation requires one to 'act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law'. Answer: act only on universalizable maxims. Why not the others: "maximize total happiness for all" is the core principle of utilitarianism articulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill; "pursue personal wealth and power" represents ethical egoism or Machiavellian realism rather than Kantian duty; "follow intuitive emotional instincts" reflects moral sentimentalism (Hume), which Kant explicitly rejected in favor of pure reason.
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