Categorical Imperative Kant

German philosopher Immanuel Kant, father of the categorical imperative, seems to have found me in the right season of life. German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, is considered by many to be a central figure in modern philosophy due to his contributions made to ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and aesthetics. Arguably, his most notable contribution is fathering the categorical imperative, a command of reason not based upon the desires of any one person. Kant also comments on various topics including gifts of fortune, good will, “perfect happiness” and the intrinsic value of a human being. As a 19 year-old college student, I find myself in a transitionary stage of life; the decisions I make today determine the direction of the remainder of my life.
Kant does not say it is wrong to use someone as a means. Instead, he said it is wrong to use someone as a mere means, indicating that it is immoral to use someone solely for what they can do for us. Nature bestows each of us with “gifts of nature,” as Kant refers to them. Qualities of temperament range from intelligence, wit, courage, perseverance, or decisiveness. According to Kant, these gifts of nature require “good will…present to correct their influence on the mind…” In other words, those with an immoral character could abuse these gifts of nature for wrongdoing. Kant emphasizes the importance of possessing a good will; a good will is “good in itself” according to Kant, regardless of what it does or does not
One of these three higher pleasures described by Mill is acts which engage one’s moral sentiments. Thus, Mill claims that participating in activities appealing to one’s values — like compassion — open the gate to genuine happiness. Kant draws a similar conclusion, saying that we must put the needs and desires of others before our own in order for society as a whole to achieve optimum levels of