ContextAll decisions we make are guided by an influenced belief or maxim. A maxim is an individual rule that we use in our negotiations to guide our conduct. The maxims contain our principles and intentions; they indicate our general character. A solid, well-intentioned maxim is universalizable. The precise meaning of universalizability is disputed, but the most popular interpretation is that the categorical imperative asks whether the maxim of your action could become the one that everyone could act on in similar circumstances. An irrational maxim is counterproductive, since it cannot be desired in a manner consistent with the intended objective; in other words, it cannot provide rational guidance for human action since it cannot, in principle, serve as a rule for all people. Of course, this in itself is highly debated since what can be applied to all people is a far cry from what should apply to all people. A rational maxim would be one that made sense for any rational person in similar circumstances to obey. It is our obligation as people worthy of dignity to administer our actions according to rational maxims. Same-sex marriage rights in the United States My universal maxim would be that gay people can participate in our democratic marriage process. This issue is very critical in today's modern debate and could easily be argued for and against on moral, religious and ethical grounds. It should be noted that Kant's views were created a long time ago and although Kant lived in a very different era, many people believe that he was actually a homosexual, so his teaching could have been based on his social shame or his same fear. of exposition, but it could be an entire article in itself. So let's explore... middle of the paper... heterosexual marriage is outlawed when both parties cannot reproduce. If the idea of ​​heterosexual marriage being outlawed doesn't seem right, then what would make it right for homosexuals? Kant is also in a sense a hard universalist because he argues this: we are human and should be treated equally by each other. I have come to the conclusion that Kant would also say that we should not outlaw same-sex marriage. Reference: Brunfield, J. (2011). The purchasing professor applies Kant's philosophy to abortion and same-sex marriage debates. Pelham Patch, Retrieved from http://pelham.patch.com/articles/purchase-professor-applies-kants-philosophy-to-abortion-same-sex-marriage-debates Kant, Immanuel. (1998). Foundations of the metaphysics of morality. Cambridge University Press, 1998. page 53. Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universalizability"