Kantian Ethics 1. Kant\'s formula of universal law states: \"Act only on that ma

Question

Kantian Ethics

1. Kant's formula of universal law states: "Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." Consider the following situation. Imagine a government imposes a tax that is perceived by many to be unfair. As a result, there is a widespread campaign of non-payment. The point of not paying is to draw attention to the perceived injustice of the tax. The tax rebels could be said to be reasoning as follows. "Most people are politically conservative and will continue to pay their tax. So government-funded services will continue to run and there will be no crisis as a result of the non-payment campaign. But if about a quarter of those who should be paying don't pay, then enough of a signal will be sent to make the government withdraw the tax." Is this permissible even though (or because) it cannot be universalized?

Explanation / Answer

This can be permissable by asking the question other way round:

Should a government impose unfair tax on people.

Or by following these three steps:

The answers for all the questions under this maximum is 'no' ,thus,it is permissable to act against the unfairness of the government.

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