Here's a breakdown:
* Universality: The idea that something applies equally to all individuals in all situations.
* Universalizability: The ability to be made universal, meaning it could be applied to everyone without contradiction.
Example:
Let's say you're considering lying to someone. To see if this action is universalizable, you would ask: "Could I will that everyone lies?"
If you think this is acceptable, then lying is universalizable. However, most people would agree that a world where everyone lies would be chaotic and untrustworthy. Therefore, lying is not universalizable.
Key Points:
* Moral Principle: Universalizability is often used as a test for moral actions. If an action is universalizable, it is considered morally permissible. If not, it is considered morally wrong.
* Consistency: Universalizability emphasizes the importance of consistency in our actions and beliefs.
* Rationality: Universalizable principles are considered to be based on reason and logic, rather than personal preferences or emotions.
In simpler terms:
Universalizable means something can be applied to everyone without causing problems or contradictions. It's about fairness and consistency.