In Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, Immanuel Kant first introduces his concept of the categorical imperative (CI) as an unconditional moral law. In this article I will argue that Kant's categorical imperative succeeds in demonstrating that lying and murder are immoral. First I will explain the moral law and the categorical imperative, then I will outline Kant's universal law formula. Finally, I will evaluate two maxims to determine whether they violate the categorical imperative. First, I will address what Kant means by moral law when he refers to the categorical imperative. Moral laws are commands that are universal or applicable to all. Consequently, Kant believes that an action is moral only if its maxim is universal. A maxim is a rule or principle by which you act in a certain situation. A maxim is universal if the desired goal could be achieved, if everyone in the world acted according to that same maxim. The logical question that follows is: why must moral statements be universal? Kant states that moral laws bind all rational agents without exception. (Add a description of what this means.) Furthermore, moral imperatives are absolute in the sense that they are overriding and no situation could arise that would override a moral claim. Since I have now shown that moral laws are universal commands (imperatives), the next step is to determine whether they are hypothetical or categorical imperatives. A hypothetical imperative tells you what to do to achieve your goal. For example, if I want to satisfy my hunger, then I should eat. A hypothetical imperative is conditional because it requires first wanting an end (wanting to satisfy hunger) and then wanting an action (eating). A hypothetical imperative is n...... middle of paper ......everyone is killed to get the desired job, there would be no security in owning an admired job because when someone wants your job you will be killed. Furthermore, if you got a job by killing someone, those jobs would now be filled by less qualified people and would consequently eventually turn into less desirable roles. If this maxim were a universal law, most jobs would not exist, as business leaders would continually be killed, preventing businesses and jobs from existing at all. Since the maxim failed the initial contradiction test, we have a “perfect duty” to refrain from acting on the maxim, without exception. Kant clearly emphasizes that it is our strict duty not to kill under any circumstances. Furthermore, Kant's categorical imperative managed to demonstrate that this maxim lacks universalizability and is ultimately immoral..