In Kant's theory, a maxim is

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When examining Kant's notion of a maxim, we must unpack what Kant intended by this term in his moral philosophy.
Option 1: 'a piece of wisdom handed down over many generations.' This describes cultural wisdom or tradition, not a Kantian maxim. Kant treats maxims as subjective rules of action, not simply inherited sayings, so this option mischaracterizes the source and status of a maxim.
Option 2: 'an objectively correct moral rule.' Kant does not describe maxims as fixed external rules that are universally correct independent of the agent’s will. A maxim is something the agent gives to themselves to guide action; its correctness depends on rational consistency and universalizability, not on an outside objective rule presented as universal from the start.
Option 3: 'a principle of action that one gives to oneself.' This aligns with Kantian theory: a maxim is the personal, subjective rule or policy an individual adopts to govern their behavior, which they formulate and endorse for themselves before testing its universalizability.
Option 4: 'a false moral principle.' This is not an accurate general characterization. While a maxim could be illegitimate if it fails rational scrutiny, Kantian maxims per se are not defined as inherently false; they are candidate principles the agent adopts, which must pass the test of the Categorical Imperative to be morally legitimate.
In light of these distinctions, the most accurate description among the options is that a maxim is a principle of action that one gives to oneself, reflecting Kant's emphasis on self-imposed maxims as the starting point of moral evaluation.

In Kant's theory, a maxim is

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Which of the following is NOT one of Kant’s deontological tests?

Which of the following is similar to Kant's categorical imperative?

Kant believes that as long as you do the right thing, it does not matter what your reasons were.

Kant argues that incest is not immoral in all cases.

What is a hypothetical imperative, according to Kant?

10. According to Kant, helping your elderly patient walk to the front desk after treatment is a(n):

Since Kant thinks that marriage is the only context in which sexual relations are not immoral, he thinks that polygamy is unacceptable.

What is Kant's categorical imperative?

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler