Kant's Non-Consequential Theory

Kant's non-consequential theory relies on precisely on the existence of a set of jointly accepted and acknowledged moral norms, ethical criteria that help a person make the right decision at the right time. Kant's entire ethical theory relies on the existence of deontological restrictions. These universal laws, as Kant sees them, allow us to function correctly in a society. Kant believes that a person's choices ought to have nothing to do with the preferred outcome, but instead mankind basically goes about doing well because it is morally correct. Kant theorizes that moral reasoning is not based on accurate data and that reason by itself can disclose the central principles of morality. Ideas thought over, developed and theorized by Kant include the concepts of good will, the categorical imperative, and universal acceptability, as an end rather than a means.

According to Kant, the only good thing in the world is "good will". Good will, being the intention to do the right thing for its own sake. Other things might be desirable, but their ethical merit is only measured by an individual's good will. A person is not necessarily "moral" if he or she, for example, performs a good deed motivated by anything other than the simple goodness of the deed. One's moral worth is determined as one acts out of duty. Moral duty is defined as our obligation to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. In order to define and develop one's sense of duty, Kant developed the next component of his theory: the categorical imperative.

Categorical imperative simply states that what is fair to one must be fair to all. Kant, who relied heavily on logic, insists that moral rules must by categorical rather than hypothetical. Hypothetical laws take on the "if....then" form of action. If you want to reach a specific goal, then you will accomplish these tasks. On the other hand, categorical laws apply to everyone. Regardless of goals or desired outcome, the categorical imperative commands unconditionally. (Shaw, 67)

Kant developed another idea which exemplifies that of the categorical imperative. The principle of universal acceptability states that as rational, moral beings, individuals are bound by logic and its demands. Because logic is consistent, individuals all live by the same moral law. in order to determine whether a rule is a " moral law, we can thus ask if the rule commands