Kant s Categorical Imperative And Morality - 1297 Words

Kant: 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 about by his deeply religious upbringing and social environment, Kant’s categorical imperative was an attempt to rationalize religion, a central goal of the Enlightenment. Immanuel Kant’s upbringing certainly affected his thoughts on religion and morality. In the Prussian city of Kà ¶nigsberg, Kant was never poor or destitute, but certainly lacking. His parents did simple work, like harness making, which often led them to require the financial support of relatives (Rohlf). Despite their financial situation, the family was devoutly religious, turning to the Pietist movement, which was described by Michael Rohlf as â€Å"an evangelical Lutheran movement that emphasized conversion, reliance on divine grace, the experience of religious emotions, and personal devotion involving regular Bible study, prayer, and introspection† (Rohlf). To put it simply, Kant never grew to like organized religion. From a very tender age, Kant questioned religion and its place in society, a question that wouldShow MoreRelatedKant And Kant s Categorical Imperative1241 Words   |  5 PagesImmanuel Kant, an 18th-century moral philosopher, had contended that the fundamental principle of morality is the Categorical Imperative, from here will be additionally labeled as (CI) or otherwise mentioned. He supported his view by suggesting a pure moral philosophy; a metaphysics of morals that is not solely for rational beings to explore different ¬ sources of basic moral princip les that are found through their own observational experience a priori, but additionally for the sake of morality as itRead MoreKantian Ethics And The Categorical Imperative Essay1581 Words   |  7 PagesReason Book, I, Immanuel Kant, a prominent late Enlightenment Era German philosopher discusses his most famous ethical theory, the â€Å"Categorical Imperative.† The â€Å"Categorical Imperative† is a proposed universal law in stating all humans are forbidden from certain actions regardless of consequences. Although this is the general definition of this ethical theory, the Categorical Imperative† exists in two above formulations, A strict interpretation of Categorical Imperative and a more liberal interpretationRead MoreKant s Philosophy On Moral Philosophy Essay1519 Words   |  7 PagesAlthough Kant s philosophy, outlined in The Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, has some value as a moral guide, it alone is not always sufficient. After analysing Kan t s objective moral imperative, I will show that implementing his philosophy has the potential to permit what is considered to be immoral. This is due to its rigid conditions, which are formed on the basis that he believes in the existence of a perfect morality that always holds true. However, I will argue that there is notRead MoreKant And The Moral Law1451 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: Kant argues that mere conformity with the moral law is not sufficient for moral goodness. I will argue that Kant is right. In this essay I will explain why Kant distinguishes between conforming with the moral law and acting for the sake of the moral law, and what that distinction means to Kant, before arguing why Kant was right. 2) Meaning of Kant’s Statement Why: According to Kant, we can control the will and meaning behind our actions. The morality of an action should be assessedRead MoreEmmanuel Kant and Moral Theory1589 Words   |  6 Pagesto show the methodology by which individuals derive moral truths and the fundamental nature of these truths. Overall, Kant s philosophical works are still extremely relevant to modern political and philosophical conflicts and his legacy survives in the essential concepts of liberalism, egalitarian ethics, social contract theory, cosmopolitan global justice, and many others. Kant is also considered the founder of the 18th century doctrine of transcendental idealism and many of his published worksRead MoreKant s Categorical Imperative Of The Modern Era826 Words   |  4 PagesEmmanuel Kant was an influential philosopher and strong proponent of the modern era. Besides his large contribution to epistemology and metaphysics, his work in ethics was just as substantial. Kant’s ethics came to propose an objective morality, where moral judgments is not only true according to a person s subjective view. He believed the moral worth of an action is not determined by its consequence but the motive behind it. Through Kant’s ethics, he demonstrates this duty through his unconditionalRead MoreKantian Ethics1459 Words   |  6 PagesIn society, morality is defined as the beliefs and ideas of what is right or wrong behaviour. (Can you cite a dictionary?) The teachings of morality also known as moral education is heavily dependent on individuals that have a major impact on one`s life. The teachings usually start from a young age through parents, caregivers and educators in society. Due to their influence on young children`s lives it is their responsibility to make certain that young children will learn to make logical decisionsRead MoreThe Moral Value Of Ethics1261 Words   |  6 Pagesresult is irrelevant meaning bad consequences have no affect on the morality of the action. The thesis I will prove is when deciding on the best course of action the principles of Deontology ethics and their emphasis on considerations of doing ones duty, offer effective framework for the moral value of actions. Immanuel Kant is an influential figure of Deontological Ethics. He proposed three laws called â€Å"The Categorical Imperative† to decide whether an action is ethical or not: 1. Act only accordingRead MoreWhat Has Posterity Ever Done For Me By Robert Heilbroner1626 Words   |  7 Pagesresponsibilities towards future generations in regards to preserving the planet. In this paper, I will present Heilbroner s arguments for posterity, in relation to how we treat our environment. In addition, I will compare two ethical theories, Kant s Categorical Imperative to Mill s theory of Utilitarianism. I will then argue as to why Utilitarianism is more plausible in respect to Heilbroner s environmental view on posterity. Furthermore, I will point out why Kantian theory does not at all support the ideaRead MoreImmanuel Kant s Philosophy On Moral And Good And Evil Behavior1413 Words   |  6 Pagesaccording to Immanuel Kant, who is one of the most influential philosophers of all times, believes that human beings should not be making decisions based on the facts of a situation, but should act according to universal moral codes that apply in all situations regardless of the outcome. Kant refers to these universal moral codes as categorical imperatives and must be fully followed at all times across all circumstances. In his work, Groundwork of Metaphysic of Morals, Immanuel Kant talks about three