Categorical Imperative and Xavier's Actions: A Philosophical Analysis

This essay analyzes Xavier's behavior using the second formulation of the categorical imperative. The essay begins by introducing the concept of the categorical imperative and its relevance to the scenario. It then delves into the specifics of Xavier's actions, which involve performing humiliating and potentially harmful acts for social media followers in exchange for money. The core of the essay examines Xavier's actions through the lens of Kant's second formulation, which emphasizes treating individuals as ends in themselves and not merely as means to an end. The essay argues that Xavier's behavior potentially violates this principle, as he appears to be using himself and others as a means to achieve financial gain and social media popularity. The essay concludes by summarizing the analysis and reiterating the importance of the categorical imperative in evaluating the ethical dimensions of Xavier's actions. It highlights the role of rationalization and moral principles in determining the performance of an action. The essay emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy and dignity of individuals, and the potential ethical pitfalls of prioritizing personal gain over these values.

Running head: CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE
Categorical imperative
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Discussion........................................................................................................................................2
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................3
References:......................................................................................................................................4

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Introduction
Often times, individuals in the society, under take the performance of certain actions
which might adversely affect their quality of life. However, they deem them to be essential
because of their own moral principles. The purpose of this assignment is to understand the issue
of categorical imperative, particularly the second formulation.
Discussion
The behavior of Xavier’s in undertaking the performance of those actions which are
found to be humiliating or painful to either himself or to the others, can be explained with the
help of categorical imperative. This idea was formulated by Immanuel Kant who stated that the
emotions of an individual occupy a significant position in their minds. This means that the
emotions are often accompanied by reason and moral principles. Imperative is that proposition of
the individual which declares a particular action to be of necessity.
The performance of every rational function not only has a principle but also the end in
mind. In this context, it needs to be noted that most if the ends of the individuals are subjective in
nature which means that they are usually formulated by the individual themselves. Thus, in the
context of Xavier’s, he was willing to undertake the performance of those actions which are
humiliating to himself and to others, because he believed that it would lead to the satisfaction of
his followers in social media. The ends have certain hypothetical imperative which the
individuals might adopt.
Kant opines that the free will of the people of the society is considered to be the primary
source for the execution of all their actions. In other words, it is only when an individual wants to
perform a desired action, that they would perform that action. Nobody else can force them to do

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it. However, once an imperative is rationalized in the sense that an individual believes that the
performance of a particular action would lead to higher personal satisfaction, then they perform
that action. Thus, Xavier’s was guided by this aspect of personal satisfaction, which is to gain the
gratification of his followers, as a result of which he undertook the performance of such
dangerous and humiliating tasks.
Conclusion
Thus, in conclusion, it can be seen that the rationalization of all actions is highly
dependent on the emotions of the individuals. If they are able to belief that a particular action is
imperative in nature and therefore, needs to be performed, they would justify it based in moral
principles.

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