NAME: AIZAR S.

JAMIL
YR. & SECT: BSCE-3A
ETHICS

ACTIVITY 4 :

1. Why is autonomous reason the only acceptable foundation of ethics for Kant?

ANSWER:

Immanuel Kant asserted that ethics should rest solely on autonomous reason. He argued that moral principles
must stem from an individual's rational will, not external factors like tradition or personal desires. Kant
advocated for people to use their own rational thinking to discern moral right from wrong, rather than relying
on societal norms. Essentially, he believed individuals should act based on principles they'd universalize,
guided by reason rather than emotions or desires.

2. What is the importance of the Kantian shift from preoccupation with external good to stress the internal
good will?

ANSWER:

Kant's shift from focusing on external goods to emphasizing internal goodwill underscores the significance of
moral reasoning and personal responsibility. According to Immanuel Kant, the essence of moral behavior lies
in acting out of duty, prioritizing this over external gains like wealth or pleasure. In essence, Kant advocates
for actions motivated by internal goodwill—a genuine desire to do what is right and be a good person—rather
than being driven by external rewards or consequences. This emphasis on internal motivations is a notable
contribution to the realms of ethics and moral philosophy.

3. How long does one’s moral duty become autonomous and at the same time universalizable in the
Kantian principle of “man as an end in “himself/herself”?

ANSWER:

Kant's moral duty principle is about treating everyone as an end, not a means. Acting autonomously means
following our moral principles, not just obeying others. Acting universally means our actions can be a
universal law without contradiction. So, for Kant, acting autonomously and universally is being consistent
with our moral principles while respecting every person's worth. It involves considering how our actions
affect others and ensuring they align with the principle of treating everyone with respect.

4. What is the reasonable relationship between religion and ethics for Kant?
ANSWER:

Morals aren't necessarily tied to religion; personal beliefs shape ethics. Religion serves as a guide for moral
understanding, but sometimes people misuse it. We, as humans, can distort religious teachings by
misinterpreting or ignoring parts we find inconvenient. For instance, some Christians selectively follow the
Bible. The challenge with a fixed set of ethics is that it varies among individuals due to their environment and
personal values. Religion provides guidelines but shouldn't become a rigid belief system. Philosophers
established golden rules long before cults, emphasizing the timeless nature of ethical principles that transcend
religious boundaries.

5. Explain hope as the tension gift and task for Kantian Philosophy.

ANSWER:

Immanuel Kant posits hope as a pivotal force in moral philosophy, injecting nuanced tension into individuals'
lives. Beyond mere optimism, Kant's view explores hope's profound impact on the moral landscape. In
Kantian philosophy, the tension from hope links to the pursuit of alignment between virtue, embodying moral
principles, and happiness, seen as a bestowed gift. Virtue, for Kant, represents unwavering commitment to
moral duties. Hope introduces uncertainty, challenging the delicate balance between fulfilling duties and
aspiring for happiness. This tension, per Kant, arises from reconciling the worth of moral actions with
potential happiness. Hope, in this context, becomes a driving force motivating individuals toward ethical
living by persevering in the pursuit of virtue despite uncertainty.