Explain in your own words the Kantian distinction between an action done in accordance with duty and an action done from duty. Provide evidence from the text.
Explain in your own words Kant's categorical imperative. Be sure to define it and discuss its procedure. Provide evidence from the text.
Apply Kant's criterion of universalism to each case listed below. Decide if it would be rationally consistent to universalize the maxim.
Remember, the issue is not whether you would like the results, but whether the intention would undermine itself if everyone followed it without exception. Explain how the intention in each scenario would or would not pass Kant's criterion of universalism.
1. Never say, "I love you" to someone unless that person says it to you first.
2. Always pay your debts on time.
3. Never help someone out unless you get something in return.
4. Cheat on your tests whenever possible.
5. It never matters what grade you get in a required course because the only grades that matter are for courses in your major.
6. It is all right to run a red light when it's early in the morning and there's no one else around.
Citations: In this essay, only page numbers are required for citation. The page number should be provided in parentheses after the quoted text. For example: Kant says, "quoted text" (page number).