Kant's universal law for moral decisions

Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century German philosopher, transformed ethics with his categorical imperative. Unlike systems focused on outcomes, Kant's idea demands actions based on duty and universal rules. His famous principle asks: act only if you'd want everyone to follow your rule. For instance, lying is wrong because a world where everyone lied would crumble. This concept provides a rational moral foundation, influencing modern law, justice, and human rights. It even shapes today's bioethics debates, ensuring we treat people as ends, not just means.