Act always on such a maxim as thou canst at the same time will to be a universal law. 
Kant's Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals 

Critique: Kantian Theories

• Kant's lasting contribution to philosophy is his emphasis on respect (achtung)
• His emphasis on the necessity of acting, even when no one does not feel like it
• The universality of morality - that we are all subject to it regardless of our status, no exceptions
• Dignity of each human act & each person
• Situation isn't the sole factor
• It's possible for everyone to understand, regardless of religious orientation
• It can be followed by atheists
• It promotes high standards
• It is an absolute/universal science & is thus more credible than intuitionism
• It would improve society

Hinman invites us to consider three questions:

1.      Can reason provide us with adequate guidelines about how we should act?  

2.      Can reason provide us with adequate motivation to do the right thing?   

3.      Can a moral system be complete without references to consequences?

Concerns with Kant's system per Liptak:

1.      Kant wanted an objective norm and got a subjective norm, as Kantian ethics is rooted in the individual.  Morality depends on each person's moral vision.  Law is equated with the lawgiver.

2.      Kantian ethics stands in contradiction to ethical systems that believe in the effects of original sin (Romans 7:15 "I cannot eve understand my own actions. I do not do what I want."  Kant assumes ( like some early philosophers) that correct ethical action is appealing to everyone. Is this in harmony with the general psychological condition of all mankind?  Does man seek the immediate good (chocolate cake) or the long-term good?    

3.  Moral visions grow each year. is one's early moral vision adequate?  

Wall's concern of shallowness:

• Goal of virtue ethics: "To show us how to be happy, how to live good lives, lives of 'human flourishing.'"  Contrast this to goal theories of obligation (Kant): "To teach us how to determine the difference between right and wrong.  It achieves this goal by identifying rules and principles that we are obliged to follow, even if we do not want to"  (Wall, Thinking Critically 46)

Additional concerns:

• Is life as black and white, without exceptions, as painted by Kant?
• Should there be room for play and qualifications?
• What do people lacking in good will, in a sense of duty  do?