What if morality was law-governed in the same way as logic and physics?

The Hotel Bar Sessions hosts close out Season 11 with a deep dive into one of philosophy’s most important moral principles: Immanuel Kant’s “Categorical Imperative.” They carefully unpack Kant’s three formulations of the “moral law”—the Universality formulation, the Humanity formulation, and the Kingdom of Ends formulation—to demonstrate how Kant sought to ground morality in rationality, universality, and freedom.

Through accessible examples– punctuality, lying, slavery, and even prostitution– the hosts illustrate Kant’s vision of the moral law as an unconditional principle, independent of personal preferences or consequences. They also clarify common misconceptions, like conflating Kant’s universality formulation with the Golden Rule, and examine how his ideas prioritize duty over subjective inclinations.

This is a spirited debate about Kant’s relevance today, questioning the challenges of applying the rigid moral framework of the Categorical Imperative to complex modern realities. The co-hosts address critiques of Kant’s metaphysical assumptions, his treatment of non-human entities, and the potential for misusing his ideas to justify exclusion. Despite these critiques, the hosts argue for the enduring importance of Kantian ethics in safeguarding the dignity and autonomy of all rational beings.

Filled with humor, thoughtful analysis, and practical insights, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the philosophical foundations of morality and their own ethical commitments.

Full episode notes available at this link:
https://hotelbarpodcast.com/podcast/episode-165-kants-categorical-imperative

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