Kant’s Formula of Humanity

Must be at least 400 words in length and references properly.

One of Kant’s ways of formulating (i.e., expressing in words) the Categorical Imperative says that “one should always treat humanity, whether in oneself or in another, always as an end and never merely as a means”. This is often called the “Formula of Humanity” (or sometimes the “Formula of the End-In-Itself”).   Briefly explain in your own words what you think Kant means by this formula. Consider a specific example from the world of business, either one that you have directly encountered or one you heard about, in which a company honored this principle, and consider an example in which a company failed to honor this principle.  Be sure to clearly explain your example with respect to Kant’s theory, and refer to the other readings on business ethics when appropriate.  If you find the example from a source on the Internet or in an article, be sure to document your use of this source. Discuss whether you believe that businesses could actually run according to a Kantian moral framework or you think that they must necessarily break Kant’s laws in order to function according to business principles.

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