Question

Write down the first version of Kantian categorical imperative. If we apply Kantian categorical imperative, would talking in the theater be morally acceptable? Explain it precisely by following three steps as described in Applying Categorical Imperative (module 15). BIVA - A. IX E - O N V HTML Editora 1 2 3 x X, SE V 12pt T O words

Answer 1

The first version of Kantian categorical imperative states that an individual shall only act if it lead to solving a problem. In that case, the activity or the action the individual chosen shall serve or guide as an universal reference, so that others too can use the same to solve the same problem.

Considering the issue of talking in a theatre.

The theatre is a place where people meet to view and listen a performance on a stage. Here, the people must cooperate with each other and maintain silence so that nobody is disturbed and all the people view and listen the performance. Since, the sole purpose of the people is to view as well as listen to the performance, none should deviate from the same. If they are to deviate the same shall disturb everybody else resulting in loss of harmony in the theatre. Thus, morally one should not talk in a theatre.

Applying the Kant’s categorical imperative steps, the following is obtained,

1. Rule of Universality – All people must feel undisturbed. Here in the issue, talking in the theatre shall disturb the nearby people. It will give unpleasant experience.

2. Rule of respect – When an individual is in theater and when nearby people talk, he/she get disturbed. Hence, the former should also not talk. This way each person is showing mutual respect to each other.

In the above two cases, it is always morally wrong to talk while in a theatre. Here there are no maxims.

3. Rule of exception – When there is an emergency, when there is a severe difficulty internally or externally, an individual shall talk to get help. This circumstance shall serve as a universal law too. Thus, in this case it is morally right. It is morally right to ask for help and ask other if they need help.

In the above case, it is right to talk while in a theatre. Here the maxim is the emergency situation.