Comparing Kant And Moral Law
If someone is carrying out an act but they fear the consequences, then they are not acting in accordance with moral law. If someone is carrying out an act but they are only looking for a reward, then they are also not acing in accordance with moral law. Kant says, “Like a jewel, it would still shine by itself, as something that has its full worth in itself” (Kant 10). Kant is suggesting that a moral act is good in itself; it does not need to have rewards or consequences surrounding it to be worth something. It is a good act simply because it is a good act. Reasonable morality motivates people act morally without the influences of consequences or rewards. This is very important because you must do the ethical thing regardless of the consequences