The categorical imperative (Kant)

In short: Immanuel Kant formulated a basic principle of morality: act only on rules that you can will to apply to everyone. People must never be treated merely as a means.

In more detail: “Categorical” means: valid unconditionally, not only when one wants to achieve something.

In detail

• Universal law formula: Can I will that everyone acts this way? Lying fails because trust would otherwise collapse.
• Humanity formula: People have dignity and are never merely a means.
• Duty from reason: What matters is the good intention, not the success.
• Everyday test: “What if everyone did that?” (e.g. leaving litter).
• Criticism: Too rigid, helps little when duties conflict; white-lie debate.
• Counter-position: Utilitarianism judges consequences (utilitarismus-nutzen-fuer-alle).
• Significance: Foundation for human dignity and human rights (ethik-grundlagen-gut-und-richtig).