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Topic C

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Topic C

Kant's concept of the categorical imperative provides the basis for his explanation of why

it is wrong to lie or break another promise. In Kant's view, the categorical imperative is the

universal, transcendental moral norm that individuals in all situations must uphold. There are

several methods to put the categorical imperative into practice. Still, perhaps the most well-

known is Kant's: "act solely according to that maxim by which you may at the same time wish

that it should become a universal law." To paraphrase Kant, one should always act in such a way

that one can envision it becoming a global law for all people (Fieser,2017).

Kant believes that if everyone consistently lied and broke their agreements, society would suffer

(Fieser,2017). He contends that if this were the case, there would be no way for individuals to

rely on each other's honesty. Another of Kant's arguments is that a person's word is their bond

and that breaking a promise or telling a lie is a breach of that bond. His moral compass points to

the universal law of trust as to why dishonoring a commitment or telling a lie is wrong.

I agree with Kant's conclusion that dishonesty and lying are morally reprehensible. Trust

is essential to any thriving community. If everyone constantly betrayed one another by telling

fibs and breaking their word, there would be no basis for any social order. In addition, a person's

word ought to be as good as their bond, and that to do otherwise is dishonorable.

Though lying or breaking a commitment is not always justified, there are times when it

may be necessary. It is okay to lie or violate a promise if doing the truth will put you or someone

else in danger. When doing so will benefit society, violating the pledge or telling a lie becomes

morally acceptable.

In conclusion, according to Kant, it is unethical to be dishonest or break a promise

because this violates the principles of trust and the importance of a person's word being their
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bond. Though I see the logic in Kant's argument, there are times when it is right to lie or breach a

pledge to protect others or advance a greater good.

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Reference

Fieser, J. (2017, January 10). THE CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE. The University of Tennessee

at Martin. https://www.utm.edu/staff/jfieser/class/300/categorical.htm