Introduction
Immanuel Kant is famous for his significant contribution to philosophy and also had a few works on metaphysics. Among his most famous works are Kant’s thoughts on morality. Kant’s main statement is that the source of good lies in the goodwill itself. Immanuel Kant described his approach to a moral philosophy based on universal moral law, but his definition of goodwill is arguable.
Article Summary
The article describes Kant’s approach to moral philosophy and his understanding of the goodwill and the role of humans. Firstly, the article describes Kant’s explanation of goodwill. Kant stated that goodwill is good only because of its volition, and other factors do not influence it (153). However, when goodwill is based on duty, such actions have no true moral (153). Kant’s approach to moral philosophy is based on the imperative of morality. The philosopher defines categorical imperatives as moral laws or commands that people must strictly follow despite their wishes or environmental factors (154).
In addition, Kant examined the role of humans as an end, not a means that is to be used to achieve goals (157). To support this statement, the article provides many examples that explain the previous statement. In the end, the Kingdom of Ends was mentioned. This concept is a part of Kant’s theory of categorial imperative and is defined as a realm that consists of people’s rationality and autonomy (159). Hence, the article describes Kant’s thoughts, ideas, and concepts of moral philosophy, including an explanation of goodwill and the role of humans.
Agreement with Kant’s Concept of Humanity as an End
On the one hand, Kant’s explanation of a human as an end and not as a means to be used is justified. According to Kant, a human being is not a thing that can be easily used to achieve different goals. A person should be valued, but many examples of people’s use are seen in the assaults on the freedom and property of others. These examples are seen presently, which makes Kant’s theory trustworthy.
In addition, Immanuel Kant stated that humanity could happily live if no one tried to withdraw something from it. It means that if no one tried to use people, everyone would live happily, and this statement is justified, as many misfortunes are created by people’s desire to achieve goals no matter what. Thus, the definition of humans as an end and not a means to achieve a goal seems trustworthy.
Disagreement with Kant’s Definition of Goodwill
On the other hand, Kant’s definition of goodwill is framed and cannot be implemented in all situations. Immanuel Kant stated that goodwill requires decisions determined by moral demands, and humans inevitably feel the Moral Law (153). However, only some people who do good things follow the Moral Law.
Moreover, people with a good will cannot always solve problems, so everyone is happy. In addition, Kant stated that a person with goodwill acts selflessly, which might help others to use this person as a means to achieve goals. Therefore, Kant’s definition of goodwill is reasonably arguable as only some people with goodwill are suitable for this definition.
Conclusion
To sum up, Immanuel Kant’s approach to psychology was based on the supreme principle of morality. On the one hand, Kant’s definition of human and good will are trustworthy, as they are based on the Moral Law. Kant’s definition of humans as an end, not a mean, is justified, and when people act otherwise, their happiness decreases. However, only some people with goodwill are appropriate to Kant’s definition.
Work Cited
Immanuel Kant. The Categorical Imperative. pp. 153-159.