What is meant by the formulation of universal law?
a.) ?Acting according to the categorical imperative
b.) ?Acting according to a maxim everyone can use
c.) ?Acting according to an action’s objective morality
d.) ?Acting according to a maxim that respects everyone
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: b.) Acting according to a maxim everyone can use
Explanation
The “formulation of universal law” refers to one of the key formulations of Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative, a foundational concept in deontological ethics. Kant argued that moral actions must be guided by universal principles—rules that could consistently apply to everyone without contradiction.
In the Formulation of Universal Law, Kant states:
“Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”
This means that before taking any action, a person should ask themselves: “What if everyone acted this way?” If the action’s guiding principle (the maxim) can be universalized—meaning it could be adopted by everyone without leading to a logical contradiction or an undesirable world—then the action is morally permissible.
For example, imagine someone considering lying to get out of trouble. The maxim might be: “It is acceptable to lie when it benefits me.” If everyone followed this maxim, trust would be impossible, and the very concept of truth-telling would collapse. This creates a contradiction, because the practice of lying depends on the expectation that others are telling the truth. Therefore, this maxim cannot be universalized, and the action is morally wrong according to Kant.
Thus, Option b—”Acting according to a maxim everyone can use”—most accurately reflects the Formulation of Universal Law. It emphasizes the importance of consistency, logic, and universality in moral reasoning.
Other options reference parts of Kantian ethics but do not directly define the formulation of universal law:
- a) is vague.
- c) refers to morality’s objectivity but not the universal test.
- d) aligns more with Kant’s Formula of Humanity, which emphasizes treating individuals as ends, not merely as means.
In summary, the formulation of universal law is about ensuring that the rules guiding our actions are suitable for everyone to follow—a core idea in Kant’s moral philosophy.
