Is it practical to live by the categorical imperative in a corporate world? What problems could arise by applying this philosophy in a business perspective?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Kant believed that you have a moral duty to act in the way you believe everyone should act. One should never act in a certain way unless you are willing to have everyone else act in the same way. One cannot make an exception for your own action. Kant said that to make an exception for your own behavior is immoral and unethical. This is problematic in the real world, as it relies on one's own sense of justice to determine how others should act toward you. However, it also forecloses the possibility of doing something potentially wrong in a minor sense to effect a greater result. For instance, some business decisions will undoubtedly have negative results, and one would not want those results imposed on oneself. However, sometimes, those decisions must be made to best serve the business. Relying on individual morality may, in itself, be selfish and impractical.