Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals by Emmanuel Kant

In his book, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, Kant explores the issues of human morality, and attempts to â€Å"seek out and establish the supreme principle of morality† (Kant 60). Despite acknowledging that human beings will still most likely act morally, whether or not they have a clear understanding of moral principles, Kant explains that a clearer understanding of moral principles can allow individuals to fulfill their moral obligations, and keep their motivations pure. Kant starts off, in the preface, by stating that â€Å"Ancient Greek philosophy was divided into three sciences: physics, ethics, and logic† (Kant 55). Physics being the study of natural philosophy, and the world of material objects; ethics, the study of moral philosophy, and on what basis human beings ought to act; and logic, the study of empirical knowledge, independent of material objects. These three fields then fall into categories of empirical or non-empirical philosophy. In the Groundwork, Kant decides to focus on pure, non-empirical ethics, which he refers to as â€Å"a metaphysic of morals† (Kant 56). In attempting to develop an a priori concept of morality based on reason, as opposed to empirical observations, Kant comes to the conclusion that â€Å"a free will and a will under moral laws are one and the same† (Kant 114). This statement ties together Kant’s aim in the Groundwork, in that the supreme principle of morality is developed through the notion of freedom, as it, then, provides a basis for morality.Show MoreRelatedThe Metaphysics Of Morals1418 Words   |  6 PagesIn the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals by Emmanuel Kant, we are presented with this conception of Kant’s called â€Å"the Form of Law.† With the discussion of the Form of Law, we will also come to encounter both moral law and the categorical imperative. Kant’s notion of the Form of Law, we will later see has a great deal of significance within the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Within the discussion of the Form of Law’s significance in the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, KantRead MoreKant Deontological Theory1659 Words   |  7 PagesStudent Name: Veronica Ryan Student No: 20120035 Assignment: Kant Lecturer: Prof: Wamsley Due Date: 23 August 2013 ____________________________________________________________________ Emmanuel Kant was an influential German Philosopher. He was born in Konigsberg in Prussia to Protestant parents he lived from 1724 to 1804. Kant observed the world around him and observed that that every culture religion and society has moral law whether they are obeyed or not. The Formula of Universal Law-Read More Nothing Can Be Good or Evil in Itself Essay903 Words   |  4 Pagesfavorable character, wholesome, and virtuous. (Merriam-Webster)   A good will is not good because of what it effects or accomplishes--because of its fitness for attaining some proposed end: it is good through its willing alone-that is, good in itself. (Kant)   In essence, the traditional sense of good is an act done only with the benefit of others in mind rather than for ones own personal interests.   However, for society to view this as good, an act must be intended to benefit society as a whole as wellRead MoreThe Characteristics Of Jean s Ethical Dilemma Essay1851 Words   |  8 Pagesclear indicator of Jean’s moral orientation as such, her statement â€Å"she instinctively objected to the use of psychological manipulation.†, may suggest Jean’s moral perspective is more aligned with Kantian ethics. In spite of this, we do not know with certainty w hat the future consequences of Jean’s actions will bring. Instead, this essay will argue that Jean’s desire to act is not based on pure self-interest; but, on kant’s revolutionary idea of goodwill and duty. Emmanuel Kant (1724 – 1804) in his researchRead MoreCompare Utilitarian and Deontological Theory1821 Words   |  8 PagesCOMPARE UTILITARIAN AND DEONTOLOGICAL THEORIES Utilitarianism is the idea that the moral worth of an action is determined by its usefulness. In maximizing utility and minimizing negative utility, in short it can be defined as pleasure minus pain. Deontology means duty or obligation. This theory was founded by a German philosopher, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). According to Kant, it is the only way of making moral decisions. Another definition for deontology is that it is an approach to the justification