The theoretical debate
The dilemma between action and intent has been addressed by the positions of
deontologism and consequentialism, respectively. Kant (1949), Guyer (1992) and
Darwall (2003) believed that there was a supreme principle of morality, which he called
the categorical imperative which determines our moral duties. In his terminology, an
imperative is a command, and comes in two types. Usually we are pushed to action by
“hypothetical imperatives”, which command conditionally on a relevant goal, and tell
us what we must do in order to get or do something we happen to desire. For example:
if you want to become a lawyer then qualify in law; if you are thirsty, then go for water!
Hypothetical imperatives compel action in a given circumstances, tell us which means
best achieve our ends. If we do not care about the goal which is expressed by the
condition, then we can ignore the command.