Rules of morality must be laws, and laws, which are derived from reason, must apply universally.  They are therefore without exception.

    Actions are the result, not the determining factor, of morality.  The action is the result, not the requirement, of morality.

Some of Kant's favorite moral examples:
    The Lying Promise.  Why is it morally wrong to make a promise and not intend to keep it?
    Suicide.  Why is suicide morally wrong?
    Developing Talents.  Why is it morally wrong to leave your abilities unused?
    Being Kind.  Why is it morally wrong to be nasty?

Defining features of Kant's moral theory:

• Human beings have dignity; moral worth
• Morality can be summed up in one principle, the Categorical Imperative
• Why the categorical imperative is different from, and superior to, a hypothetical imperative.  A moral system built on a system of hypothetical imperatives might warrant approval, but it cannot warrant respect.
• The C.I. is a) universal, and b) the embodiment of morality in terms of duty, not consequences.
• 2 (of 3) formulations of the C.I. = universality and respect for persons/means-ends

Duty=the necessity of an action done out of respect for the moral law.

Why reason should be, and is, the ruler of the will:
    All natural endowments have a particular function or purpose
        Inclination and emotion are unacceptable as rulers of the will

It is not enough that an action be done:

• Can be done by accident, so intent is necessary
• Intent is not enough.  There must be a principle
• But not just any principle is good enough.  It must be a universally binding principle.
• The principle must be the categorical imperative, because it is universally binding.