Conclusion:
One’s actions can only be moral if one can resolve that their maxim is
plausible to be universal law.
EP1: A maxim is the law recognized by every practical being, determining
how they will act. (30)
EP2:
Universal law is a maxim, which one should follow.
EP3: Morality is the
basis that tests whether or not the maxim is just. It can thus be willed into universal
law. (31)
IP1: If the maxim is moral, it can be universal law and a
maxim.
EP4: Will allows
an individual to determine, through reason, whether or not an action is moral
(23).
IP2:
If the action is good and moral it can be said to be a universal law.
IP3:
If there are good intentions behind the maxim, then it can be willed.
EP5: If a conflict is present between a
maxim and ones universal duties for mankind, then that maxim can’t become a
universal law. (31) Examples of contradicting maxim and universal duties:
EP6a: The maxim of ending one’s life out of self-love opposes the
universal law of preservation of life out of self- love (31).
EP6b: A maxim of borrowing money and promising repayment without any
intention of doing so contradicts universal law of telling the truth. (31)
EP6c: A maxim of living a life of pleasure instead of putting one’s
talents to use challenges the universal law that states that all rational
beings should develop their talents. (31)
EP6d: A maxim of an individual refusing to help others in need refutes
the universal law that referring to that all individuals long for some sort of
aid. (32)
IP4: If the maxim is not moral, then the action is not good, nor can
it resolve to become universal law for all of mankind.
EP7:
In order for a maxim to be moral, it must be universal law (32)
Conclusion:
One’s actions can only be moral if one can resolve that their maxim is
plausible to be universal law.
