universalisierbare

Universalisierbare is a German adjective used in philosophy to describe a maxim, intention, or action that can be universalized—that is, made into a universal law without logical contradiction or undermining the purpose of the action. In ethical discussions, the term corresponds to the English concept of universalizability and signals whether a rule of conduct could consistently be adopted by all rational agents.

The idea is central to Kantian ethics and the method of the Formula of Universal Law. In Kant’s framework, one formulates the maxim behind a chosen action and then asks whether it could be willed as a universal law. If universalization would lead to a contradiction in conception (the action would be impossible as a general rule) or a contradiction in the will (one would not want to universalize it for oneself), the maxim is not universalisierbar and the action is morally impermissible. Conversely, a maxim that passes these tests is considered universalisierbar and morally permissible.

Typical examples discussed in Kantian literature include lying promises, which Kant argues are not universalisierbar because a world in which promises are always lies would undermine the practice of promising itself. By contrast, some duties such as keeping promises or aiding others in need are presented as compatible with universal law, though debates about scope and application continue.

Critics contend that universalisierbarkeit is a formal, rule-bound criterion that may neglect outcomes, context, or cultural variation. In response, some philosophers view it as a necessary but incomplete aspect of moral reasoning and supplement it with additional ethical principles or consequential considerations. The term “Universalisierbarkeit” is the related noun often used in German-language discussions.