JMJ Marist Brothers

NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY

College of Arts and Sciences
Alunan Ave., City of Koronadal, South Cotabato 9506

Rex Bryann C. Zambra PHSC 103 Seminar on Contemporary Philosophy

AB-PHILO 4
Reason, Sentiment, and
Categorical Imperatives
A Reaction Paper

In the context of Immanuel Kant's ethical theory, Samuel Kerstein's article

"Reason, Sentiment, and Categorical Imperatives" investigates the connection between

reason, sentiment, and moral imperatives.

Moral imperatives, according to Kant, are categorical, meaning that they apply to

all rational beings without condition. The categorical imperative, which states that we

should only act in accordance with the maxim that we could will to become a universal

law, is, in Kant's view, the foundation of morality. To put it another way, we should only

behave in ways that we would expect others to behave in similar circumstances.

According to Kerstein, Kant also acknowledges the significance of emotions in moral

decision-making. Even though sentiment is not Kant's definition of morality, it is a factor

in our motivation to act in accordance with moral principles. Kerstein argues that moral

reasoning can also be influenced by feelings. He sees that moral reasoning has both

deductive and inductive components, and that sentiment can be a factor in the inductive

component. Sentiment can assist us in recognizing and assessing the moral

significance of specific events and behaviors. However, Kerstein also points out that

morality cannot be founded solely on sentiment. He argues that in order to evaluate

 JMJ Marist Brothers
NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY
College of Arts and Sciences
Alunan Ave., City of Koronadal, South Cotabato 9506

moral sentiments and determine which sentiments are appropriate circumstances, the

reason is required. According to Kerstein, a sound moral theory requires both logic and

emotion. While sentiment can assist us in recognizing and evaluating the moral

significance of situations and actions, reason provides the framework for evaluating

moral sentiments. In his moral philosophy, Immanuel Kant's central claims are defended

by Samuel Kerstein. Moral imperatives, according to Kant, are categorical, meaning that

they apply to all rational beings without condition. Kerstein argues that in order to be

truly moral, moral principles must be universal and unconditional. A true moral principle

would not exist if it only applied to specific people or circumstances. The categorical

imperative, which states that we should act only in accordance with the maxim that we

could will to become a universal law, is also argued by Kant to be the foundation of

morality. Kerstein argues that the categorical imperative provides a framework for

evaluating moral actions to support this claim. We can determine whether our actions

are morally permissible by asking if we could force them to become universal laws.

Kerstein also backs Kant's assertion that a sense of duty, not desire or inclination, must

drive moral behavior. He argues that in order to be truly moral, one must act out of a

sense of duty. Our actions would not be truly moral if we only act morally for the sake of

achieving positive outcomes.

 JMJ Marist Brothers
NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY
College of Arts and Sciences
Alunan Ave., City of Koronadal, South Cotabato 9506

Finally, Kerstein upholds Kant's assertion that moral agents are endowed with

intrinsic worth and dignity. He argues that Kant's moral theory cannot be coherent

without this claim. We would not be able to act morally or treat others with respect if we

didn't think rational beings are valuable by nature. Overall, Kerstein's defense of Kant's

claims highlights the significance of these principles in our understanding of morality

and provides a framework for comprehending the fundamental principles of Kant's moral

philosophy.