Kants Views on Morality - 949 Words

Morality has been a subject of many philosophical discussions that has prompted varied responses from different philosophers. One of the most famous approaches to morality is that of Immanuel Kant in his writing Groundwork of Metaphysics of Morals. Kant in this work argues that the reason for doing a particular action or the drive to do good things is a fundamental basis of defining moral quality in a person. To him, an action could be considered morally right only if the motivation behind doing that action was out of ‘goodwill’. When he defines these moral rules, he characterizes them in the form of imperatives – the hypothetical imperative and categorical imperative. While hypothetical imperatives deal with motivations and actions that†¦show more content†¦As a result, a utilitarian would promote the acts of sympathetic individuals helping others as opposed to the non-sympathetic individuals as the happiness of society as a whole is higher in the former action. Although a strictly Kantian philosophy may not be the more popular philosophy at least when it comes to altruistic deeds, Kant is right to consider the person of cold temperament to be more morally worthy than the one who is happy to help others. This is because, morality is not something that should be motivated by what one gets out of it even if the reward for acting morally is only an emotional benefit. This however does not make the acts of sympathetic individuals immoral. It just makes their motivations less morally worthy than a person who does it without any inclination for helping others. There is a fundamental difference as Kant puts it in the actual moral actions and the drive for moral actions. The actual acts or ends in the case of both kinds of individuals helping is moral but their drive for committing those actions rank differently on a scale of moral worthiness. This is especially true since we differentiate ourselves from the other members of the animal kingdom due t o our ability to think through our actions. It is a sense of rational objectivity that renders this capability in us. Hence, Kant is right to view morality as rational product of our actions. It should be largely based on what our reason allows us to do. DoingShow MoreRelatedKant And Mill : Morality As A Responsibility Towards Positive Impacts1578 Words   |  7 PagesBoth Kant and Mill describe morality as a responsibility towards positive impacts. Kant views morality as thought out actions leading to positive outcomes for others through means of using ones conscience (Kant, Immanuel, 2). Therefore, a person’s actions should result in a positive impact on others, and a person should think carefully before doing something to ensure that. Immorality as defined by Kant describes self-centered actions that do not benefit any other human being while Mill’s theoryRead MoreA Critique of the Categorical Imperative1689 Words   |  7 Pagesfocused on how the morality of an a ction was not dependant on its consequences or the intentions of its undertaker, rather solely on the intrinsic moral worth of the action itself. This concept has been challenged since its birth and been often regarded as a rather impractical and often contradicting facet of moral philosophy. Although the previous allegation is true, the ideas behind the categorical imperative give a significant and much needed challenge our modern day notions of morality. 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Mappes also illustrates that voluntary inform ed consent can be undermined through both deception and coercion. This helps us in the understanding of sexual morality. It is important to understand what Kant means when claimingRead MoreKant and Sexual Morality1394 Words   |  6 Pagesjudgement helps us to understand and determined sexual morality. Thomas A. Mappes supports Kant’s claims and helps to further explain Kant’s statement by defining it and introducing the idea that one must give their voluntary informed consent in order for certain actions to be moral. Mappes also illustrates that voluntary informed consent can be undermined through both deception and coercion. This helps us in the understanding of sexual morality. It is important to understand what Kant means whenRead MoreThe Comparable And Contrastable Philosophies Of Kierkegaard And Kant Essay1294 Words   |  6 PagesKierkegaard and Kant In this paper, I will investigate the comparable and contrasting views of Soren Kierkegaard and Immanuel Kant. Their extraordinary journeys towards the meaning of morality and ethics is riveting, spiritual, universal, and in many ways, incredibly different. My conclusion is that though there are aspects which bind their theories together, ultimately both men possess different understandings of what morality is and how an individual ought to be moral. Kierkegaard, while exemplifying aRead MoreUtilitarianism And Immanuel Kant1213 Words   |  5 PagesImmanuel Kant’s philosophical writings have influenced people all throughout the world. Centuries later, his works still form a major point of reference in studies carried out in the modern world. His writings have brought a new dimension in religion, law and history. 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From his point of view, goodwill is not meant for the realization of good results neither does it act as a means of achieving a particular result. The goodwill, therefore, should never depe nd on any of the external factors for it is good in itself and is regarded for itself. However, Kant admits that the goodwill can only be good if it is willing. According to Kantian Ethics: Good Will, It is Your Duty! Kant’s ethics moral are based on the unconditional command referredRead MoreKant s Categorical Imperative And Morality1297 Words   |  6 PagesKant: The Categorical Imperative and Morality Immanuel Kant, a Prussian philosopher, was a leader in the rationalization of society and morality. His revolutionary law, known as the categorical imperative, was a major step toward freeing morality, and people in general, from the bounds of a religious authority or moral absolute to judge them. Working during the Enlightenment, he contributed to the flow of similarly progressive ideas during this pivotal era in human development and knowledge. Brought