I'm trying to write a 2-3 paged essay about a topic that Immanuel Kant covers in his book Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. My working thesis is 'Univeral law of morality can not be based on anything other than duty.' But I don't know if I should say duty. Is he basing Moral Law and Moral Perfection on all human ends? I'm So lost!!
Duty is ok, if you define it as moral obligation, as Kant did. I am wondering how you will do it in a 2-3 page essay.
Not on all human ends, just those in which subjectivity and situations play no part.
Is moral obligation more important to Kant then the Kingdom of all ends? This is what is tripping me up. I don't know if I can find enough supporting evidence on how experience,and inclinations play no role in the forming an universal law. However, when he goes about his rant on how humans shouldn't treat other humans as just a mean to get what is desired, but to treat someone as a mean and an end, makes me think that he changes his whole perspective on what creates a "good will". I just don't know what to focus my paper on.
And I think you are the only person on the face of the Earth who has read this!
In Kant's kingdom of all ends, all members are universally obedient to fundamental, universal moral obligations. Such a place.
Then, in the kingdom of all ends, they all agree on laws and mores which met all ends, based on a universal submission to the fundamental moral obligations. Remember, this is a "thought" experiment, a vicarious state.
Inclinations play no role, as each person subjugates those desires (carnal, and worldly) to the universal moral obligations, playing the citizen role of the kingdom of all ends.
Moral obligations are more important to happiness in the kingdom of all ends.
When writing your essay on Immanuel Kant's "Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals," it's important to have a clear understanding of Kant's concepts surrounding morality. To address your concerns, let's break down Kant's ideas and how they can inform your thesis statement.
In Kant's work, he argues that the foundation of moral law lies in the concept of duty. According to Kant, morality should be based on universal principles that apply to all rational beings. These principles should be derived from reason alone and not contingent upon personal desires or outcomes. This is known as the Categorical Imperative.
Now, let's examine your thesis statement, which states that the universal law of morality can only be based on duty. This aligns with Kant's perspective as he emphasizes that moral actions must be performed out of a sense of duty, rather than for any selfish or personal gain. Duty, in this context, refers to the idea of acting in accordance with one's moral obligations and treating others as ends in themselves, rather than as means to our own ends.
In your essay, you should discuss how Kant argues that morality must be grounded in rational principles and universal laws, which are based on duty. Duty serves as the foundation for moral law, guiding individuals towards moral actions, regardless of personal goals, desires, or consequences.
Regarding your question about whether Kant bases moral law and moral perfection on all human ends, it's important to note that Kant distinguishes between hypothetical imperatives and categorical imperatives. Hypothetical imperatives are based on individual desires and circumstances, whereas categorical imperatives are universal principles that apply to all rational beings. Moral perfection, according to Kant, is achieved when individuals consistently act in accordance with the categorical imperatives, which are grounded in duty.
To summarize, it is accurate to say that Kant bases the universal law of morality on duty, as it serves as the foundation for moral actions. In your essay, you can explore Kant's arguments about why duty is a necessary basis for morality and discuss how this concept influences his notions of moral law and moral perfection. Remember to provide evidence from "Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals" to support your analysis and interpretation.