OBJECTIVITY OF MORAL LAW:

OBJECTIVITY OF MORAL LAW: BY Maxim D'Souza S

Moral law becomes objective when it is regarded as valid for all subjects. In other words they can be called as practical principles. So far as the rule of action is wholly rational and not infected with sensation, it becomes universal and objective. An objective principle or 'practical law' constitutes a rule 'valid for the will of every rational being.' A principle, however remains 'subjective' when the condition is regarded by the subject as valid only for his own will. Kant identifies theses subjective principles as 'maxim'.
A law…is an objective principle valid for every rational being; and it is a principle on which he ought to act-that is an imperative. Kant says, A categorical imperative or practical law must be "Valid in the same form for all rational beings." Hence it must determine the will "on grounds which are valid for every rational being as such." In the Metaphysics of Morals Kant says, To know whether a principle is objectively valid, ones reason must subject to it to the test of conceiving oneself as giving universal law through this principle. If your maxim qualifies for a giving of universal law, then it is objectively valid.
A maxim of the subjective status is transformed into the objective status of a law by having recourse to the aspect of universality that is the part of a moral maxim or a practical principle. In the Critique of Practical Reason Kant says practical principles are propositions which contain a general determination of the will, having under it several practical rules. They are objective when the condition is recognized as objective, i.e. as valid for the will of every rational being. Objectivity of moral law makes a law in itself a universal one and which is applicable and acceptable to all rational beings.
The universality that is present in a subjective maxim is exploited when the selfsame principle is made into an objective one, where a transition from the subjective to the universal objective realm is generally assumed. Thus, it is concluded that "the principle or maxim on which the action proceeds must be one such that we can will that it should become a universal law, a law for everyone.
According to Paton, "To say that the ultimate moral law must be universal, it must be objective and impersonal, that it cannot be determined merely by my desires, and that it must be impartial as between one person to another." That is, universal law contains a law that applies impersonally and impartially, or is universally applicable to everyone in the same objective situation, constraining us to act in a specified way irrespective of the individual desires and goals.