People Are Not Tools

Kant's second formulation: never treat a person merely as a means to an end. Every human being has inherent dignity and rational autonomy. Using someone purely for your own benefit — even if the outcome is positive — violates their status as a rational being.

This principle underpins modern human rights. When Kant said every person is an end in themselves, he meant no calculation of the greater good justifies treating someone as disposable. You cannot sacrifice one innocent person to save five. The math does not override the dignity.