Maxim by Lonesh

A maxim is a subjective principle or a principle of which the subject acts. For any conscious action we have a maxim i.e., a subjective principle. A maxim is only a personal 'rule of life' or a 'general policy' of action. It is said to be subjective in the sense that it is being appropriated by the individual as his or her own, which need not necessarily be accepted by everybody else as a general policy of action. That means it has no universal application. It is the maxim that gives direction to the conscious action of an individual.

 Maxim can originate both from inclination and rationality. In that respect, maxims can be divided into (1) prudential maxim and (2) moral maxim. Prudential maxim represents an action as a means to an effect. For e.g., if you want to be popular don't hurt others. On the other hand moral maxim represents an action good in itself without reference to any further end. It is the universalizable maxim.

 Prudential maxims are conditional. It is related to an end. It has origin in inclinations. So it has a material role. That's why it is called prudential maxim. But moral maxims are free from all conditions. Unlike prudential maxims it is not affected by inclinations. It is also free from all conditions. Moral maxim necessitates the will universally.

 Kant writes, "all maxims have (1) a form which consist of universality, and regarding it the formula of the moral imperative is expressed thus; that maxims must be chosen as if they were to hold as universal law of nature; (2) a matter, i.e., an end, and regarding it the formula says; the rational being, as by its very nature an end and thus as an end-in-itself, must serve in every maxim as a limiting condition of all merely relative and arbitrary ends."

 Although maxims are subjective in nature and are the principles of action, have their origin in 'wille', which legislate rules by itself. Thus we are morally entitled to adopt all and only those maxims that we can regard ourselves as legislating for rational beings, whereby we can be basically autonomous and give law to ourselves. That means we should chose those maxims, which would represent a possible action good in itself without reference to any further end i.e., moral maxims.