Kant stated that action on a maxim should only be taken if the maxim should be universally applied. For example, “I should not lie” could be considered a maxim that should be universally applied. This principle is similar to the “Golden Rule”: Treat others the way that you would want them to treat you. In practice, I think this principle could cause issues to arise. The specifics of each situation are not discussed, and do not matter according to the law. Consider the following maxim: I should not speed. Speeding can negatively impact those around, possibly resulting in an accident and injuries or fatalities. Generally, this seems like a maxim that should be universally applied. However, the specifics of each situation cannot be ignored. What if one is speeding late at night because they have an ill passenger that needs medical attention? Traffic is likely light, and speeding may not negatively impact others. Speeding could be viewed as acceptable by some, even though it would violate a law. One may argue that a universal law be applied for each general scenario. Another may argue that the judgement of a few is too subjective to apply to all. I do not believe that a universal law should be applied in any
Kant stated that action on a maxim should only be taken if the maxim should be universally applied. For example, “I should not lie” could be considered a maxim that should be universally applied. This principle is similar to the “Golden Rule”: Treat others the way that you would want them to treat you. In practice, I think this principle could cause issues to arise. The specifics of each situation are not discussed, and do not matter according to the law. Consider the following maxim: I should not speed. Speeding can negatively impact those around, possibly resulting in an accident and injuries or fatalities. Generally, this seems like a maxim that should be universally applied. However, the specifics of each situation cannot be ignored. What if one is speeding late at night because they have an ill passenger that needs medical attention? Traffic is likely light, and speeding may not negatively impact others. Speeding could be viewed as acceptable by some, even though it would violate a law. One may argue that a universal law be applied for each general scenario. Another may argue that the judgement of a few is too subjective to apply to all. I do not believe that a universal law should be applied in any