Kant’s famous first formulation of the categorical imperative reads: “act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.” kant taught morality as a matter of following maxims of living that reflect absolute laws. “universal” is a term that allows for no exceptions, and what is universal applies always and everywhere. lying, for any reason, is universally wrong. so, consider the famous case of the crazed murderer. in your town the crazed murderer comes to your door looking for your friend and wanting to kill him. you know that your friend went home to hide. what do you tell the murderer? when he leaves and runs up the street to your friend’s house, what do you do?