However, this is not the point of Kant's theory, because to determine the moral law he does not look at the consequences, but rather at the maxims. To determine what can produce more or less damage, it is true, we should know the consequences of our actions. But sometimes we cannot be sure of our consequences, and so when we look at our intentions we can know whether we are acting fairly (without deception or coercion) and decide on an action that would be moral based on a maxim of good will. O'Neil points out that it is possible for a society to endure more pain in attempting to protect individuals from being used as mere means, yet they do so in a way that is most just, and therefore their actions can still be applied to the subject of give everyone a fair value in life