Clearly state Kant's Categorical Imperative. Include information about what distinguishes it from the Golden Rule. Consider how the shift of emphasis from the impact of actions on the self to the importance of duty informs his understanding of ethics (Reference 2).
Outline Kant's arguments supporting universal ethical standards. Include the theory that, in a perfect world, people would make the same ethical choices, with no regard for the personal consequences of their actions. Explore his ideas that interactions with people should never be considered a means to an end and that moral people comply with both perfect and imperfect duties (Reference 2)
Illustrate Kant's ideas of universal moral principles using real life examples. Include situations contrary to Kant's philosophy. Use these examples to either show how subtle changes result in increased moral behavior, supporting Kant's theory, or how they disprove the usefulness of his ideas in modern ethics.
Compare Kant's Categorical Imperative to other ethical theories. Consider especially Locke and Hobbes who agreed with Kant that morality relies on rationality, but who thought that it was informed more by personal desires and fears than by an underlying ethic superseding the self (Reference 2).