The second proposition is this: an action done from duty has its moral worth, not in the purpose that is to be attained by it, but in the maxim according to which the action is determined. The moral worth depends, therefore, not on the realization of the object of the action, but merely on the principle of volition according to which, without regard to any objects of the faculty of desire, the action has been done.

Question

The second proposition is this: an action done from duty has its moral worth, not in the purpose that is to be attained by it, but in the maxim according to which the action is determined. The moral worth depends, therefore, not on the realization of the object of the action, but merely on the principle of volition according to which, without regard to any objects of the faculty of desire, the action has been done.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

In this proposition, the philosopher is discussing the idea that the moral worth of an action lies not in its consequences or results, but in the principle or maxim behind the action.

To understand this better, let's break it down. The philosopher is stating that when we evaluate the morality of an action, we should not focus on the outcomes or goals it achieves but rather on the intention or motivation behind it. The moral worth of an action, according to this proposition, is determined by the guiding principle or volition that led to the action, regardless of the desires or objects of the action.

To illustrate this, let's consider an example. Imagine a person who donates a large sum of money to a charity. If the person's motivation for the donation is purely out of a sense of duty or moral obligation, without any personal gain or desire for recognition, then according to this proposition, the action is considered morally praiseworthy. However, if the person's motivation is driven by self-interest, such as gaining social status or receiving tax benefits, then the action would be regarded as morally less worthy.

It's important to note that this proposition separates the evaluation of an action's morality from the outcome it achieves. The focus is on the principle behind the action, emphasizing the intrinsic moral value of acting out of duty rather than the external consequences of the action.

To delve deeper into this concept, you may want to study the ethical philosophy of authors like Immanuel Kant, who developed the idea of acting based on moral duty and the importance of moral principles in determining the moral worth of actions.