Question

Can someone please explain Immanuel Kant's view on ethics.

Answer 1

A lot of people have explained it.

http://www.google.com/#q=+Immanuel+Kant's+view+on+ethics

Answer 2

Sorry I didn't word my question properly. I understand that Kant believes a person must act on a principle that applies to all other rational beings. I'm confused on how his views that rational beings have dignity and are autonomous relate to his theory of categorical imperative. All the links I read never really answered why.

Answer 3

In the simplest sense, a being of dignity, i.e. a rational one, is one worthy of being treated as a end rather than a means.

To treat someone as a means, to do bad things to them to bring about a good result, is immoral in a Kantian sense.