At 4:420-421, Kant argues that
“when I think a categorical imperative, I know at once what it contains. For since besides the law the imperative contains only the necessity of the maxim to conform with this law, whereas the law contains no condition to which it is limited, nothing is left but the universality of a law as such, with which the maxim of the action ought to conform, and it is this conformity alone that the imperative actually represents as necessary”
Analyze and critically evaluate this argument. Why does Kant think that any moral requirement must take the form of a “categorical imperative”, and why does Kant think that the fundamental categorical imperative is that the maxim of our will should conform to a universal law? (You may want to consider how this argument relates to Kant’s earlier claim that a morally worthy will must act “from duty” and hence must act simply from “respect for the law” (4:399-400).) Discuss whether Kant’s reasoning is persuasive. If you think it is not persuasive, explain why not. If you think it is persuasive, consider and respond to at least one possible objection to Kant’s argument.