more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 3719

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 4. Categorical Imperative ]

Full Idea

I can indeed will to lie, but I can by no means will a universal law of lying; for by such a law there could properly be no promises at all.

Gist of Idea

If lying were the universal law it would make promises impossible

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 403.19)

Book Ref

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.68