Full Idea
The doctrine of the categorical imperative provides me with a test for rejecting proposed maxims; it does not tell me whence I am to derive the maxims which first provide the need for a test.
Gist of Idea
The categorical imperative will not suggest maxims suitable for testing
Source
comment on Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785]) by Alasdair MacIntyre - A Short History of Ethics Ch.14
Book Reference
MacIntyre,Alasdair: 'A Short History of Ethics' [Routledge 1967], p.197
A Reaction
Nice objection. 'What if we all stood on one leg for an hour (in this crisis)?' Question for Kant: what sort of maxims should we consider, when faced with a dilemma. Mill will obviously suggest happiness as a target. Good of society? My own good?