In Immanuel Kant's Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, he discusses his fundamental principle of morality. This is also known as his “categorical imperative.” His principle of morality essentially states that all actions are moral and “good” if performed as a duty. This idea is exemplified when he says, “I should never act except in such a way that I can also will my maxim to become a universal law” (Kant 14). Kant also tries to apply his principles to suicide, as well as helping others in difficulty. Kant seems to succeed on both issues. Since he succeeds, it means that the categorical imperative can plausibly be understood as the fundamental principle of all morality. Kant's categorical imperative is written in a way that makes it very plausible. Kant first mentions his categorical imperative when he talks about it in relation to universal law. He writes: “I should never act except in such a way that I can also will that my maxim becomes a universal law” (Kant 14). What he means by this is that he should never act in a way that is harmful to others. His actions must apply to everyone and always be positive. What he is also saying in this passage is that one's actions in such a situation should be altruistic. One should not do good deeds for one's personal benefit. He or she should do it because it is his or her personal duty. The first example in which Kant applies his principle is suicide. He argues that if a man takes his own life, he might fulfill his personal duty by taking away his pain, but he would inflict pain on others and fail to fulfill his personal duty to those who would lose him. Kant's argument is successful when... middle of paper ......if there is altruism and the need to help others benefit themselves. In Section One and Section Two of his work. Kant explores his position on the fundamental principle of morality, or his “categorical imperative,” or his idea that all actions are moral and “good” if performed as a duty. This idea is exemplified when he says, “I should never act except in such a way that I can also will my maxim to become a universal law” (Kant 14). The philosopher uses examples such as suicide and helping others in difficulty to apply his principle to a possible real-life situation. Kant succeeds on both counts. This means that the categorical imperative can plausibly be understood as the fundamental principle of all morality. Kant's reasoning for his categorical imperative is written in a way that makes the theory very plausible.