Overview
This lecture introduces Kant's moral philosophy, focusing on how morality is grounded in rational will and universal moral laws rather than consequences or external authorities.
Kant's Approach to Morality
- Kant assumes morality is real because people act and talk about morality.
- He seeks to analyze what it means to be good, not prove morality exists.
- Only the "good will"—the will to do the right thing—is good without qualification.
- Other traits (money, intelligence, looks) can be used for good or evil.
The Good Will and Moral Motivation
- Acting morally requires acting from the good will, not from desire for rewards or fear of punishment.
- Actions are not truly good if done for selfish reasons, even if the outcome is positive.
- Moral actions must be motivated by respect for moral rules, not by following orders or external motivation.
The Categorical Imperative
- Kant grounds morality in logic—moral laws should be as inescapable as logical laws.
- The Categorical Imperative: "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."
- Moral rules must come from your own will and make logical sense if universalized.
- Example: Lying cannot be universalized, as it destroys the concept of truth.
Formulations of the Categorical Imperative
- First formulation: Universal law—your actions must be suitable for universal adoption.
- Second formulation: Treat humanity, in yourself and others, always as an end and never merely as a means.
- Third formulation: Act as if your maxims could legislate universal laws; you set an example for others.
Free Will and Moral Responsibility
- Kant’s philosophy requires free will—you must freely choose to adopt moral laws.
- The moral law is self-imposed, coming from within the rational will.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Good Will — the will to do the right thing for its own sake, considered good without reservation.
- Categorical Imperative — a universal, unconditional moral law that applies to all rational beings.
- Maxim — a personal principle or rule of action.
- Universal Law — a rule everyone could logically will to follow.
- Ends and Means — treating someone as an "end" is respecting their intrinsic worth, not just using them for personal gain.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the three formulations of the categorical imperative.
- Reflect on examples of actions and whether their maxims can be universalized.
- Prepare for further discussion on Kant and free will.