Morality

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Morality

• Groundwork for the
• Metaphysics of
• Morals

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
The representation that makes the object
possible rather than the object that makes the
representation possible
Perceptual input must be processed, i.e.
recognized, or it would just be noise "less
even than a dream" or "nothing to us,"
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Some Quotes
Kant's philosophy is generally designated as a
system of transcendental criticism tending
towards agnosticism in theology, and favoring the
view that Christianity is a non-dogmatic
religion.
"Act only on that maxim through which you can at
the same time will that it should become
universal law" .
Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you.
Act so as to use humanity, whether in your own
person or in others, always as an end, and never
merely as a means.
Moral nature is who you are when no one sees
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Some key terms
Categorical imperative moral law as ultimately
enacted by reason
Hypothetical imperative - a command that applies,
not unconditionally, but only under certain
conditions, or given certain purposes.
Assertoric proposition stating that something
is the cause,
Will - the faculty of deciding, choosing, or
acting.
Prudence - is to exercise sound judgement in
practical affairs. It is considered to be a
virtue and is often associated with wisdom.
Volition - an act of making a choice or
decision also a choice or decision made the
power of choosing or determining
Metaphysics - is a branch of philosophy concerned
with the study of "first principles and "being"
(ontology).
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Imperatives

• Hypothetical a practical necessity to obtain
• Categorical objectively necessary for itself
• Skill without question of good
• Equal worth success
• Skills intended for discretionary use
• Morality is the choice and proper use of skills

Purpose - Happiness
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Prudence

• Worldly the skill of a human to have influence
  on others
• Private to unite all aims to his own enduring
  advantage
• Morality not to the matter of action, or the
  result, but,
• The form and the principle which the action
  results,
• whatever the result, the good resides In the
  disposition

Happiness is the assigned ideal of the
imagination, not reason
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Divine Will

• Is in accordance to the law by its nature
• Volition is in harmony with divine or holy will
• Inclination is toward the desire of sensations
• Interest considered as a principle of reason
• Taking an interest vs. acting from interest

Rational nature exists as an end in
itself Act so that you use humanity as much in
your own person as in the person of every other,
always at the same time as end and never merely
as means
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Nature

• In accordance with the representation of laws
• In accordance with the principles of will
• That which reason recognizes as good
• Will in accordance with its nature is not
  necessarily obedient
• Agreeable, pleasing, good for the senses not of
  the will

Universal imperative of duty
So, act as if the maxim of your action were to
become through your will A universal law of
nature