It is in this manner, undoubtedly, that we are to understand those passages of Scripture in which we are commanded to love our neighbour.Ī second proposition is: That an action done from duty derives its moral worth, not from the purpose which is to be attained by it, but from the maxim by which it is determined. But I maintain that in such a case, however amiable it may be, has no true moral worth.

To be beneficent is a duty and there are many minds so sympathetically constituted that they find a pleasure in spreading joy around them and take delight in the satisfaction of others so far as it is their own work. Its usefulness or fruitfulness can neither add nor take away anything from this value. Even if, through the disfavor of fortune, or the niggardly provision of a step-motherly nature, good will should yet achieve nothing, then, still, like a jewel, it would shine by its own light. It is the coolness of a villain which not only makes him far more dangerous, but also more abominable in our eyes.Ī good will is good not because of what it performs or effects, but simply by virtue of the volition that is, it is good in itself.

Intelligence, wit, judgement, courage, resolution, perseverance, power, riches, honour, even health, are undoubtedly good but these gifts may also become extremely bad and mischievous if the will which makes use of them is bad. Nothing can possibly be conceived in the world, or even out of it, which can be called good without qualification, except a good will. The only improvement that can be made is to add the principle on which it is based.įROM COMMON KNOWLEDGE OF MORALITY TO THE PHILOSOPHICAL His ' Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals' tries to find the underlying principle which defines actions as good or bad, and ends up with a Categorical Rule ( you must act such that you expect everyone to act the same way) and a Practical one ( we must treat others only as ends, not merely as means.) They may not be perfect, but they remain one of the basic sets of standard by which 'good' and 'bad' are frequently officially judged.Īncient Greek philosophy was divided into physics, ethics, and logic. Kant was born in Königsburg, Prussia, and stayed there all his life. The original, squashed down to read in about 25 minutes The Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals The Hundred Books - Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals

Groundwork of the metaphysic of morals