In chapter one of Immanuel Kant’s book, Grounding in the Metaphysics of Morals, he talks about “The Good
Will.” The Good Will, as he explained, is the only thing in the world that is
unconditionally good where one’s action is for the sake of duty alone. The two
categories under duty are, the motive and the formal principle, however I am
going to focus on the formal principle of duty. The two subcategories of
principles are the subjective and objective principles. Kant believes that one
without the other results in irrational morals/duty. I agree with Kant because
when you actively acknowledge the objective principle but it is not consistent
with the subjective principle, what you actually do, it just does not make
sense for someone not to do the right thing. However, at one time or another,
not all of our subjective principles were equal to the objective principle. We
are not perfect people, and thus we will do things that are, according to Kant,
irrational. For example, the objective principle may be “the rational person
acting rationally would come to a class with a start time on time,” and a
subjective principle that is equal to the objective principle would be “I came
to a class with a start time on time. However, one that is not equal would be something
like “I went to the mall instead of going to class.” It is irrational for you
to go to the mall instead of going to class. By going to the mall instead of
going to class and being on time, you are ultimately saying that the mall is
more important than going to class. Some may disagree, but to me it just makes sense
to have the subjective and objective principle equal to have rationality because
when they are not equal your morals/duty are not in accordance with nature, and
we all want to be in accordance with nature. Right?😊😂
You are so right! For the "Good Will" to be rational, it must be understood by others. It's also kind of like common sense. For example, if you're supposed to do your homework, you should do it. But not only because it's required of you, but because from doing your homework you will learn more about the lesson and get some practice in. When you act out your duties for the right purpose, you are doing the "Good Will."
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ReplyDeleteI disagree slightly... Just because we make irrational decisions doesn't mean we are ultimately saying that that thing is more important.. if its irrational, of course it isn't "more important". its just what we wanted to do in that given span of time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! We do what is right based off what we are taught throughout life. I also agree with Brittany, it is pretty much common sense. But if we choose to make an irrational decision then it does not mean we are irrational. Sometime the irrational and rational chose may be an opinion.
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