According to Kant, lying is not consistent with the categorical imperative. Suppose you are invited to a seasonal BBQ at the department chair’s house. You are served a steak that is tough, overcooked, and so barely edible that you secretly feed it to the department chair’s dog (who appears to enjoy it). The chairperson asks you, “How is your steak?” and you respond, “Excellent, thank you.”

a. Is your behavior consistent with Kant’s categorical imperative?

b. The steak seemed to be excellent to the dog.

Does that fact change your answer to part a?

c. What conclusions do you draw from this example?