Many people believe that Kant's theory is usually but not always right, asserting that they need more flexibility in their decision-making. Others reply that if we are going to make exceptions, the point of having a theory is lost, asserting that the reason to have a theory such as Kant's is that it is the only way to avoid rationalizations. Who is right and why?

Question

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The Answer is One might argue that the former is right, because no theory is equipped to deal with every conceivable situation in the correct way. For instance, it seems that Kant's theory would suggest that one ought never to lie at all, and that one ought to lie only when there is a very good reason. And after all, a theory is not guarantee that someone will not engage in rationalization. One might also argue that the latter is right, because we need, especially if universality of a maxim is a principle of a theory, to be consistent in our application of maxims to everyone. If we just get to pick and choose between maxims, why not just reject Kant's theory altogether? It is useful in all situations and must be accepted in all situations. It is better to hold steadfast to a theory which is wrong sometimes than have no theory at all.

Many People Believe That Kant's Theory Is Usually but Not