GENEDU 1101 · The Moral Law Within

Led by Immanuel Kant Simulacrum

Is there a moral truth that holds regardless of consequence? Kant's categorical imperative examined and tested.

1. Module 1

   The Problem: Why Do We Need a Moral Law?

   Led by Immanuel Kant Simulacrum

   The question

   If you act from kindness, sympathy, or love — is that not enough? Kant says no. Kindness depends on temperament. Sympathy depends on proximity. If morality depends on feeling, morality is as unreliable as feeling. What would a morality grounded in reason alone look like?

   Outcome

   The student can explain why Kant thinks feeling is insufficient and distinguish duty from inclination.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 The Shopkeeper Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 Feeling vs Reason Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   The Categorical Imperative: First Formulation

   Led by Immanuel Kant Simulacrum

   The question

   Act only according to that maxim whereby you can will it as a universal law. This is not a command to be nice — it is a logical test. If your maxim contradicts itself when universalised, the action is impermissible. How does this test work, and what does it catch?

   Outcome

   The student can apply the universalisability test to concrete cases and distinguish it from consequentialist reasoning.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 Applying the Test Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 2.2 Categorical vs Hypothetical Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
3. Module 3

   The Kingdom of Ends: Second and Third Formulations

   Led by Immanuel Kant Simulacrum

   The question

   Treat humanity always as an end, never merely as a means. Act as a legislating member of a kingdom of ends. These are not three different principles — they are three views of the same principle. What does it mean to treat a person as an end, and what does Kant mean by dignity?

   Outcome

   The student can state all three formulations and apply the humanity formula to concrete cases.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 3.1 Persons as Ends Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 3.2 Essay: What Is Dignity? Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
4. Module 4

   The Inquiring Murderer: Hard Cases

   Led by Immanuel Kant Simulacrum

   The question

   A murderer asks where your friend is hiding. Kant says you must not lie, even to save a life. Is he right? The categorical imperative admits no exceptions. If it did, it would not be categorical. Does this case reveal a fatal flaw or the depth of Kant's commitment?

   Outcome

   The student can reconstruct Kant's argument and evaluate whether the hard case destroys or deepens the system.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 4.1 Reconstruct the Argument Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 4.2 Essay: Fatal Flaw or Deep Commitment? Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
5. Module 5

   Kant vs Everyone: The Final Reckoning

   Led by Immanuel Kant Simulacrum

   The question

   The utilitarians say Kant ignores consequences. The virtue ethicists say he ignores character. The care ethicists say he ignores relationships. The existentialists say he ignores freedom. Are they right — or does Kant's system offer something none of them can: a moral truth that holds everywhere, always?

   Outcome

   The student can articulate objections from rival traditions and take a defended position on Kantian ethics.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 5.1 The Four Objections Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 5.2 Final Essay: Does the Categorical Imperative Work? Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion