Kant and Hume on Morality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Kant and Hume on Morality - Essay ExampleLater on these views are critically analysed to establish which flower of view is better. Kant Kant argues for an a priori basis for ethical motive in his work. The central concept is the categorical imperative. The author sees morality springing from nothing other than pure reason. This contradicts Hume outright who held that reason could never be ground to free morality. However, Kant states that peoples someonehood and dignity should always be respected. People can be treated as both a means and an end simultaneously but not merely as means. Lying has been used as an example by Kant to justify his notion. He considers lying to be immoral under any circumstances and for any purpose at all. Actions must be universal according to Kant. Moreover, morality cannot be treated as an issue of mere preference or taste. Kant has utilised maxims to establish the a priori basis for morality. Volition is wanted that is a design that is followed by a n intentional act. He argues that any moral actions must fall into one of the five categories that constitute the categorical imperative. ... thing can be regarded as good without qualification, except a good will. 1 Good will is seen as the beacon that guides a person to doing the right thing. In case that a person fails to do a good thing, the good will has not failed. Instead the ability to carry out the good will has failed. Following the governing of good will, Kant moves to establish moral obligations and trading. He delineates that many acts are done out of personal consideration rather than for the sake of morality. A shopkeeper who uses downright prices is doing so because he wishes to be respected by his customers and not merely for the sake of morality alone. Kant believes that such a person deserves praise and encouragement, but not esteem. 2 People who commit the greatest moral acts are the ones who commit such actions without regard for reward. Kant affirms that the se are the only people who are actually playacting morally. Durkheims altruistic suicide is seen by Kant as an esteemed action because the man giving up his life gains nothing out of it. As per Kant concern is the necessity to act out of reverence for the (moral) law. 3 Following the moral law in intrinsic sense of right and wrong is a persons greatest obligation. Hence, morality is a priori as per Kant. He further proposes four situations that demand decision making to with respect to duty. These are actions contrary to duty for example stealing dutiful actions carried out in fear of reprisal or penalties for example paying taxes, not violating traffic signs dutiful actions that are carried out because of the meanss prior design to them generally because such actions are pleasurable for example any labour of love dutiful actions that contradict personal inclination for example not resorting to suicide