Question

Using Immanuel Kant’s first version of the “categorical imperative,” explain in detail why cheating in an examination would be considered a violation of a perfect duty. First, begin by explaining the meaning of a categorical imperative as opposed to a hypothetical imperative. Second, discuss why Kant regards the categorical imperative as a “good without qualification.” Third, state and explain Kant’s first formulation of the categorical imperative. Next, briefly discuss the distinction between perfect duty and imperfect duty in Kant’s formulation. Finally, provide a detailed account of the Kantian moral test (using the first formulation of the categorical imperative) to show why cheating in an examination would constitute a violation of a perfect duty.

Answer 1

Immanuel Kant's approach to ethics and morality was called "Deontology."

Explanation:

• Deontology is a duty-based approach and thus only considers duty to be its prime motive.
• Kant believed that results must not decide the answer and that actions must be performed like a duty.
• Cheating in an exam would be considered a violation as the focus was on getting a good result, whereas in this approach the result must not be considered.
• Imperative is a moral command. It is of two types:

1. Categorical Imperative - This is unconditional, it focuses on acting morally for results.
2. Hypothetical Imperative - This is conditional, it elucidates that acting morally is a must.

• Duty is of two types:

1. Perfect duty - This holds the truth always.
2. Imperfect duty - This allows flexibility.