"Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, beginning with his preface to the "Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals", Kant is unambiguously clear in his assertion that moral dictates hold universally, since if a law is to be morally valid, then it must carry with it absolute necessity. It also discusses how for Kant, morality is fundamentally based on his three formulations of the categorical imperative and how in general, Kantian morality does little to resolve many of the everyday moral debates present in contemporary society.

From the Paper:

"Despite the appeal of the categorical imperative, follows its dictates proves to be seemingly impossible, and even in some instances, undesirable. When adhering to the principles of Kantian morality, it is clear that moral reasoning is reduced to a strict moral calculus, whereby there is only one correct answer to the question, "What am I to do?" This process, moreover, does not allow for any deviations from this strict normative standard, and morally ambiguous areas become non-existent. However, in some situations, certain actions that are in violation of the categorical imperative might be morally necessary. For example, during the Holocaust, people often had to lie to the Nazi SS when harboring Jews in their home. It seems obvious that lying violates at least formulations one and two of the categorical imperative. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kant, Immanuel. Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals ; with, on a Supposed Right to Lie Because of Philanthropic Concerns. Trans. James W. Ellington. 3rd ed. Indianapolis: Hackett Pub. Co., 1993.

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