The Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals Philosophy Paper
In The Groundwork for the metaphysic of Morals, it is formulated that Kant bases his theory of morality off the groundwork of metaphysics. The idea behind the science of metaphysics brings about the a priori and/or pure necessary truths. Any existence of anything empirical is immoral which only abandons one’s reason and intentions, which are the foundation of their duty to gain good will. Good intensions bring out good will. As Kant presents the four reasons of all actions, he believes that one gains the ability to test and evaluate moral actions universally by the categorical imperative. In determining an individual’s will one must understand that the intention behind the action must be moral excluding all inclinations. However, intentions and will, good or bad, play the role in finding the reason for portraying the person’s action. Actions fall into four categories to represent the relation of reason within a good will. If the will of an action is good it must show obedience to the duty. A good will is composed of a concrete good yet the reason utilized in performing actions is responsible for making the good tangible. Acting according to maxims because you must complete your duty in order to achieve good will. Duty, according to Kant, is what determines morality within an action. Duty is in the likeness with that of pure reason. While the responsibility of reason lies in the realm of making actions moral or immoral, it is the duty of the individual to act upon good will. One’s duty is an action out of respect for the law. These maxims are rationally determined and all should come to the conclusion, moral. There are actions that are contrary to duty, actions in accordance with duty performed with a mediate inclination, actions in line with duty because of immediate inclination, and acting along with duty because of duty. An inclination can be considered desires, passions, and habituations, which a person may hold as their