Questions: Question 4
2 pts
Which of the following is the second formulation of the categorical imperative, i.e., the 'humanity formula'?
Act in such a way as to treat sentient beings, whether in your own case or in that of any other, always as a means to some moral end.
Act in such a way as to treat sentient beings, whether in your own case or in that of any other, always as an end and never merely as a means.
Act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as a means to some moral end.
Act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as an end and never merely as a means.
Question 4
2 pts
Which of the following is the second formulation of the categorical imperative, i.e., the 'humanity formula'?
Act in such a way as to treat sentient beings, whether in your own case or in that of any other, always as a means to some moral end.
Act in such a way as to treat sentient beings, whether in your own case or in that of any other, always as an end and never merely as a means.
Act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as a means to some moral end.
Act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as an end and never merely as a means.
Solution
Answer
The answer is: Act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as an end and never merely as a means.
Explanation
Option 1: Act in such a way as to treat sentient beings, whether in your own case or in that of any other, always as a means to some moral end.
This option does not align with the second formulation of the categorical imperative. The humanity formula emphasizes treating individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.
Option 2: Act in such a way as to treat sentient beings, whether in your own case or in that of any other, always as an end and never merely as a means.
While this option captures the essence of treating beings as ends, it uses the term "sentient beings" instead of "humanity," which is crucial in Kant's formulation.
Option 3: Act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as a means to some moral end.
This option contradicts the humanity formula by suggesting that humanity can be treated as a means, which is not consistent with Kant's ethical theory.
Option 4: Act in such a way as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of anyone else, always as an end and never merely as a means.
This is the correct formulation of the humanity formula of the categorical imperative. It emphasizes the intrinsic value of humanity and the moral obligation to treat individuals as ends in themselves.