The Moral Philosophy of Kant

Philosophy has a set of beliefs and ideas which explain the meaning of life and provide insights related to it. Literally, it means “love of wisdom”. In another word, philosophy is a group of activities people undertake to understand the fundamental truths and beliefs related to human existence. Immanuel Kant was one of the great philosophers and one of the most prominent thinkers in history. He comprehends the branch of epistemology which is related to knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics which affects the various aspects of Kantianism and idealism.  

Overview 

Philosophy is the branch of education and research that deals with human existence, information, truth, and ethics. Through this subject, fundamental questions have been raised which examine thought processes. Philosophy is divided into various subdivisions. 

Immanuel Kant was one of the great philosophers and one of the most prominent thinkers in history. He comprehends the branch of epistemology which is related to knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics which affects the various aspects of Kantianism and idealism.  

His work in philosophy can be divided into two major branches. According to his theoretical understanding of philosophy, which has metaphysics that is based upon the concept of nature. On the other hand, practical philosophy consists of political and ethical philosophy, which is based upon the concept of freedom. Both of these branches have impacted the subject of philosophy and created another history.

He compared his metaphysical philosophy with Copernicus, which revolutionised the study of astronomy of celestial bodies.

The moral philosophy of Kant 

He stated that the main principle of ethics is the principle of practical rationality and called it a ‘Categorical Imperative’. He considered it as an objective, logically essential principle that human beings must follow despite the fact of any natural desires and needs. Other philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Aquinas also explained the moral requirement that explains the standards related to rationality. 

Kant’s most important aspect in moral philosophy are in The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, however, it developed new enriching work and represented viewpoints in The Critique of Practical Reason, The Metaphysics of Morals, Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View, Religion within the Boundaries of Mere Reason. He majorly focussed on the basics of doctrines related to Groundwork, although many philosophers do not agree with his thought process. 

Fidelity under Moral Law 

According to this, there is limited respect for the moral law during any responsibility and duty. Additionally, duties consist of rules and laws which have a lot of constraints on our choices, whether it is external or internal. Duty bound simply means respecting laws. But, inherently, this is not properly given by Kant. He stated that moral laws are truthful for every reason, and therefore, all living creatures are bound by every moral law. For instance, “What one should do?”Kant responded that all should act according to rationality, as per universal moral law. 

Hypothetical & categorical imperatives 

Kant stated that categorical imperatives are basic principles of everyone’s moral duties. The primary difference between these moral imperatives is that hypothetical imperatives deal with the laws related to personal wants and needs, on the other hand, categorical imperatives deal with the commands that do not consist of wants and needs. 

The universal law of nature

As per his first formulation of ‘Categorical Imperative’ is “act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law” (G 4:421). Furthermore, this law controls the logical agents, which act as you yourself govern the acts in certain situations. 

Formula of Humanity 

The formulation of the Humanity concept added value to the work and research of Kant. This formulation entails that all are never treated in such a way that we treat humanity, either for themselves or others. Other formulations of philosophy give information “closer to intuition” than the Universal Law formula. Sometimes, in many cases human beings are being treated as instruments with no value. However, this also brings misunderstanding and misconceptions. Profoundly, it is not related to ruling out people as means to ends. 

Formula of Autonomy

Another formulation is autonomy which states that “the Idea of the will of every rational being as a will that legislates universal law.” (G 4:432). However, he does not agree that statement is imperative. 

Conclusion

Since philosophy is a set of beliefs and ideas that elucidate the meaning and definition of life and its complexities. Many philosophers in the history of philosophy have provided many definitions and explanations related to philosophy. It consists of a number of activities philosophers did in order to understand the dynamics of human behaviour. Kant is one of them, Immanuel Kant was one of the great philosophers and one of the most prominent thinkers in history. He comprehends the branch of epistemology which is related to knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics which affects the various aspects of Kantianism and idealism.