The hypothetical imperative (OCR A-Level Religious Studies): Revision Notes

The hypothetical imperative

Kant understood moral law in terms of the hypothetical and categorical imperative. The hypothetical imperative: refers to rules we should follow if we want to achieve a certain outcome.

Why does Kant reject this approach?

The idea is based on doing an action for a desired outcome.

Kantian ethics is deontological, not teleological like the hypothetical imperative is.

Strengths of rejecting the use of the Hypothetical Imperative

• It is never possible to know for certain what the action of something might be, so, by applying a deontological approach instead Kant provides a helpful method of decision-making since your guidance is clear.
• Basing moral decisions on emotions will lead to chaotic decision-making based on how we feel that day.
• It prevents people from acting in a selfish manner.

Weakness' of Kant's rejection of using the hypothetical imperative to make moral decisions

• Many people would consider thinking about the result of an action to be an important part of ethical decision-making
• All moral decisions are about improving humanity and so thinking about people seems a logical approach, and if the outcome hurts another person, most people would feel guilty. So Kant is wrong to reject the hypothetical imperative because his approach lacks humanity.
• Actions need to include emotion in order for them to be motivating.