Ralph Allen M.

Rayos
Philo 23 B3

Thesis Statement 5

According to Kant, there is nothing in this world that could be considered unconditionally as
morally good except the "goodwill." This is considered to be good when it acts such that it
conforms itself to what duty demands. The categorical imperative is this: Act only on that
maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. it
may also be formulated in the forms of the law of human beings as end in
themselves and the law of autonomy. For Kant, the moral question, ultimately, is "What may
I hope for?" Granting that I do what I ought to do as a moral being in this empirical world as
I know it, what is there to hope for?

NOTES:
Possible Question:
NOTES:
1.) 1.) Why does morality be based with categorical imperatives if some people can’t
Discussions:
uphold it?
- The categorical imperative is this: Act only on that maxim through which you can at
Discussions:
the same time will that it should become a universal law. it may also be formulated in the
forms of the law of human beings as end in themselves and the law of autonomy.
-According to Kant, there is nothing in this world that could be considered
 To complete
unconditionally the categorical
as morally imperative,
good except Kant gave account to this by providing the
the "goodwill."
four formulations; The first formulation summarizes a technique for determining
 The principle
whether or notof an
theact
good will should
is morally always be
admissible, thatmoral duty. (Joseph
is, whether or not anVelasquez’
act is being
Commentary
contemplatedonfor Kant’s, page2)
the sake of duty. On the one hand, the term Maxim is defined as a
 The only feasible
subjective foundation
guideline for pure
that a person ethicstoisas
adheres good
partwill, which
of his own is alwayspolicy
personal good or ofis
good in all circumstances and situations. His ethical theory is founded
living. On the other hand, universal law invites us to consider if you would be willing on good will.
 Its forgoodness
that maxim is unaffected by itsby
to be observed relationship
everyone allto aofcontent,
the time.anAndend,so,
or if
a desire. It's to
it disagrees
good just for the
the principle sake of being good.
of universalizing, then it is not a duty to which we should act. (Joseph
- This is Velasquez,
considered page5and6)
to be good when it acts such that it conforms itself to what duty
 For Kant, we should not see human beings as mere means to my own aims, according
demands.
to the second formulation of the categorical imperative, because we know that they
 We havealways
their act
ownwith theAnd
goals. intention of accomplishing
they have goals becausesomething;
they are free,every action and
rational, has a
purpose.
autonomousHowever,
actorswe whodocan
not act
consider people
according to be morally
to goals and ideals deficient
becausewhenthey they
are fail
topeople,
achievenot their aim despite their best efforts. Instead, "morally good
objects. As a result, human beings have intrinsic and absolute worth. will" is
genuinely good, meaning it is good in and of itself, not just because it is effective in
- For Kant, the moral
achieving question,
something else. ultimately, is "Whatpage4)
(Joseph Velasquez, may I hope for?" Grating that I do
what
 IWhen
oughtthe to do as a moral being
is duty-bound, in this empirical
or conforms world as
to duty, a maxim I know
that it, what is
is universally there to
binding
hope for?
and good in itself then, when acted upon we are living up to our good will.
 The same moral law that requires us to behave diligently categorically also
determines the ultimate kingdom of ends as a result of those activities.
 Moral reason necessitates the existence of that kingdom. It would be self-
contradictory for our reason to tell us to strive for the impossible; if it did, all of
reason's moral demands would be called into question. As a result, we must have
faith that the kingdom will come to pass.
 Here, we see the fourth formulation of Kant’s categorical imperative, that is the
Kingdom of ends, and this is our hope as human beings. But, to hope is not really the