prompter: Write an important philosophical statement that people often don't understand

assistant: "Existence precedes essence."

This statement, made by the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, is a fundamental concept in existentialism and suggests that individuals are not born with a predetermined purpose or inherent nature, but rather create their own meaning and purpose through their choices and actions in life. It challenges the traditional idea that humans have an innate essence or destiny, and instead posits that we have the freedom and responsibility to define ourselves. This can be a difficult concept to grasp, as it involves accepting the inherent uncertainty and unpredictability of life, and the possibility that our existence has no ultimate meaning or purpose.

prompter: Could you illustrate this statement and explanation in a humorous tweet involving the recent actions of some well known celebrities?

assistant: Will Smith went on the stage of the Oscar’s ceremony and decided to hit a comedian who was making fun of his wife. That gave rise to a change in the idea that most people had on him. That, most likely, had an effect on the way he saw himself as well and move his essence towards a more violent character.

prompter: So this action demonstrates the freedom that will smith had and this caused people to view his “essence” differently?

assistant: I do not believe that I have accomplished anything I thought I was going to.

assistant: A philosophical statement that is considered important and often misunderstood ist Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative. It reads "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law." You can find out more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categorical_imperative

prompter: Can you provide its meaning for a layman?

assistant: Sure, the categorical imperative is a key idea in Kantian ethics and provides a framework for making ethical decisions by considering the universal implications of one's actions.

In simpler terms, the categorical imperative, as stated by Immanuel Kant, is a moral principle that suggests that an action is only considered morally right if it can be made into a universal law that applies to everyone. In other words, you should act as if your actions would become a universal law for everyone to follow.

For example, if you were considering lying to someone to benefit yourself, the categorical imperative would say that this is not morally acceptable because you wouldn't want everyone to lie in similar situations. On the other hand, if you were considering helping someone in need, the categorical imperative would suggest that this is a morally acceptable action because you would want everyone to help those in need.

Therefore categorical imperative is a great way to ensure that actions are morally acceptable. So, if some action can't become a universal law for all to follow, then it's not something humanity should be doing. It helps humans think about the consequences of their actions and how they would affect everyone else. So when considering an action, ask yourself: "Would I want this to be applied universally?" If the answer is no, then you know what decision you need to make!

It asks individuals to act in a way that is fair and just for all people, not just themselves. It is a way of ensuring that actions are consistent with human moral values and making sure that they promote the greater good. But also acting with a sense of fairness and respect for others, not in a way that would cause harm or suffering to others. If everyone were to follow this principle, it would create a world that is based on mutual respect, fairness, and cooperation.

Therefore, the categorical imperative is a way to think about the morality of one's actions and to ensure that they align with universal principles of fairness and justice.

prompter: So, in a manner of speaking, is the categorical imperative similar in practice to the famous - and paraphrased - biblical words found in Matthew 7:12: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'?

assistant: Kant defines categorical imperatives as commands or moral laws all persons must follow, regardless of their desires or extenuating circumstances. As morals, these imperatives are binding on everyone.

prompter: How does the categorical imperative relate to the golden rule?