Categorical Imperative, Good Will and Duty According Kant

Paper Summary:

The paper first explains Kant's theory of universal law, and defines key concepts and terms. The paper then goes on to argue that Kant ignores conflicting duties and external factors in morality. This argument is supported by hypothetical examples and quotes from philosopher Thomas Nagel's book, "The Last Word".

From the Paper:

"Human beings guide their actions by instincts and selfish desires. How could it be possible to act differently? The philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote The Foundation of the Metaphysics of Morals as a set of axioms [principles or postulates] that can be used in constructing moral laws based on the use of reason. Kant in his ethics takes his point of departure from the concept of good will: "nothing in the world can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualifications except a good will." (Kant, 1959, p.9)"

More papers on Categorical Imperative, Good Will and Duty According Kant:

• Analytical Essay # 33966 : "Good Will" and "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant"
• Essay # 23364 : "Kant's "Categorical Imperative"
• Term Paper # 120997 : "Kant's Hypothetical/Categorical Imperative"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: