PHI 1102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Categorical Imperative, Blackboard
15 Mar 2016
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Document Summary
A good will is the only thing in the world that is good for its own sake, without qualification. (p. 13, para 1) An action"s rightness derives its moral worth from the principle of action on which the will acts. (not from the consequences of the act). (p. 13, bottom) All other things of worth are conditional (ly good) on having a good way, including happiness. (p. 14, top) The good will is good because it"s motivated from duty, not from inclination (not from desire). (p. 14, 1st full para. ) Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the law (p. 14) He wanted morality to be totally grounded because he thought our actions are what made us morally worthy. We don"t choose to follow our animal desires (human nature) and the reason why the good will is good is because it goes against our human nature. We can never be sure that we have the right command.
