Kant theory Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kant theory - Assignment Example Kant belonged to a family background that was following the movement of pietism and he was even subjected to attend pietist school (Rohlf 1). During his school life he was educated to believe in the external forces that control human behavior or future. These schools were trying to make people believe that they should rely on the help of divine and should seek help from them. But Kant was not ready to accept these teachings and he believed the human beings and their behaviors are a result of the independence they have in decision making and their ability to think in a rational manner. Kant’s ethical theory of categorical imperative states that ethical decisions are those which have been made on the basis of the maxim (reason) that the individual taking that particular action or decision for another individual is even ready to accept the same decision or action being carried out against themselves when they are facing a similar situation or any other situation. Kant’s theory of categorical imperative is highly applicable in real world situations because human beings are rational decision makers and they may use the categorical imperative theory to decide what is wrong and what is right (Fieser 1). One of the criticisms of Kant’s theory has been provided by Hegel who believes that Kant’s theory is simply not applicable in the real world. He states that the problem with Kant’s theory is that it does not provides a clear guideline for identifying whether and individual had actually indulged in moral decision making (Schopenhauer X). Another problem with Kant’s theory is that the theory does not even help in clearly identifying behaviors and decisions that are moral or immoral. Furthermore Schopenhauer believes that Kant’s theory is incorrect because following his theory people will be involved in making decisions based on ego and not on the basis of sympathy. He states that thinking in a sympathetic manner is the main force that