His answer to this dilemma is maxims. Maxims are defined as the principle that is at play in choosing. The goodness of a will is judged by these maxims. Therefore, decision making starts off with a maxim which leads to a will which eventually leads to a consequence. Kant then goes on talk about duty along with good will. The duty that Kant speaks of is universal and should be considered in making decisions because it will help to establish whether what we choose is good. In order to fulfill this universal duty, one must not focus on consequences, but on one's motivation. Some people are motivated by an inclination or a natural tendency, while others may be motivated by a duty or something that doesn't fulfill a natural inclination. To Kant, the latter seems more moral. Kant further investigates this idea of duty by suggesting that in the choosing process one should consider whether their decision lives up to a universal duty. In choosing one should set aside all selfishness and one should not focus on what will be produced. .
Kant then splits duties into two categories, hypothetical imperatives and categorical imperatives. Hypothetical imperatives can pertain to only particular situations, while categorical imperatives can be found in all situations. Kant explains both imperatives thoroughly. Hypothetical imperatives refer to those things which do not have absolute standards and there is no way to know that actions are morally right because the consequences are unknown. These imperatives include rules of skill and counsels of prudence. In dealing with rules of skill, the method is certain, but the goal is not necessary or certain. On the other hand, with counsels of prudence the goal is certain, but the method or rule to get to the goal is not. It is made clear by Kant what is meant by hypothetical imperatives, one part may be certain while the other is not. Categorical imperatives are used to judge whether there is some way to morally justify our actions.
