Kant's Moral Philosophy

Paper Summary:

The paper explains Immanuel's Kant's belief that moral actions are those actions that are carried out only with a sense of duty that is naturally imbued. The paper looks at Kant's categorical imperative that guides an individual to always think of how his or her actions would impact the world if he/her were held to a universal standard. Finally, the paper shows how, for all of its logical conclusions and simplistic rules, Kant's ethical system does not have a place in modern society.

From the Paper:

"As a philosopher, Immanuel Kant argued that consequences of deeds were unrelated to any moral measurement of that deed. Instead, the motivation behind an action is the true measure of such action. This contrasts with the Utilitarian belief that any action that is carried out for the greatest good for the most number of people is moral. Kant would argue that moral actions are those actions that are carried out only with a sense of duty. Such an act conveys a sense of understanding that you perform an action solely because you know it is the right thing to do. Following a sense of duty is an action that only humans possess. As only humans have the capability to understand a sense of duty, we are compelled to act upon that duty (Rachels, 2007)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Rachels, J. & Rachels, S. (2007). The Elements of Moral Philosophy, Fifth Edition. In Philosophy (pp. 904-914). Retrieved January 28, 2008, from http://primis.ebrary.com/ Doc?ebrary_username=primis_3539681&session_id=82819322&isbn=0390821861

More papers on Kant's Moral Philosophy:

• Analytical Essay # 141061 : "Moral Philosophy: Nietzsche"
• Research Paper # 74092 : "Moral Philosophy"
• Argumentative Essay # 125349 : "Kant's Moral Philosophy"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: