This blog demonstrates concepts about Aristotle, Kant and Levinas' view on "the good." It also shows an understanding on ethics and morals. Quotes and information are derived from the "In Search of the Good" textbook, as well as portions from Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the New, Revised Standard Bible.

Tuesday 2 June 2015

How Kant Describes "The Good"

Immaneul Kant believed in a more Deontological approach, Deon being greek for "Duty" to ethics. He shared certain ideas with Aristotle, like his thoughts that the good is the aim of moral life, but unlike Aristotle, he thought the good was searched for out of a sense of duty and obligation. Aristotle firmly believed that a "good person" would find their happiness within community, but Kant's view on ethics is more centered on the individual.

Kant believed that human action is only morally good when it is done out of a sake of duty. Being kind to people wasn't always a moral act, it only became one when you were kind to people you didn't originally want to be kind to. He also primarily thought that the use of reason was central to the moral life.

Another key point of Kant's views would be from one of the most famous maxims Kant proposes: "I ought never to act except in such a way that I can also will that my maxim should become a universal law." What he basically means by this is, "I should act in a way that I would want everyone else in the world to act." Which could indirectly be related to something said by Matthew, in the bible, since they're quite similar: "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the prophets." (Matthew, 7:12).

Going back to the thought of duty and obligation, Kant thought that the good was not a language of desires, but of what you ought to do. You are obliged to follow a certain law or a person with authority. His ethics are centered around that experience of duty or obligation.

Catechism says "1950: The moral law is the work of the divine wisdom. Its biblical meaning can be defined as fatherly instruction, God's pedagogy."

"2052: ... If you would enter life, keep the commandments ... You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery."

Both these quotes could generally be related to a sense of moral obligation, which heavily relates to Kant's ethics.

No comments:

Post a Comment