The Metaphysics of Morals

The Metaphysics of Morals is the 1797 published writing of the philosopher Immanuel Kant to the law and virtue theory. The Metaphysics of Morals is the elaboration of practical philosophy based on the theory of morality that Kant had developed in the writings Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and Critique of Practical Reason, whose core is the justification of the categorical imperative. The Metaphysics of Morals contains two fundamentally separate parts, the Metaphysical Foundations of the Theory of Law and the Metaphysical Foundations of the theory of virtue.

In the Doctrine of Right Kant treats the moral offered action of the external relations of men among themselves, which are reflected in positive law. In the Doctrine of Virtue he is concerned, however, with the inner, purely subjective standards that characterize moral action. Here only the ends which man sets himself while in the outer relation, the interest of other people, it should be considered. The virtue obligation is based on an inner compulsion, the legal obligation is imposed by external compulsion. Kant, refers to the work as a whole as well as the two main parts respectively as metaphysical, he expresses that he works out principles that are derived solely from reason and not have its foundation in the experience.

Introduction

Historically, the legal doctrine has been released as separate writing about half a year earlier than the doctrine of virtue. Therefore, the legal doctrine initially contains a short preface, an introduction to the Metaphysics of Morals, and subsequently a second introduction to Metaphysical Foundations of the Theory of Law. The doctrine of virtue in turn has its own introduction, which also refers to the general introduction to the Metaphysics of Morals.

In the introduction to the Metaphysics of Morals Kant explains why the ethics can not be based on empirical experience, but has to build on universal reason considerations. Everyone has a " faculty of desire ", that wishes and desires that are not based on considerations and conclusions. The faculty of desire is expressed to do in pleasure or pain, or get to. Such feelings are purely subjective. Unlike purely instinctive driven animals, man can behave to his desire. It has the practical freedom to think about the possible consequences of action, evaluate them and to influence his actions because of reasons. The man has a will and act according to his whim. Morally reasonable it acts when it is based on reasons that are based solely on considerations and let the desires aside. The basic moral principle, which is also reflected in the categorical imperative to respect the other people with the same rights. The Reason dictates, as a person always recognize the people:

Notes on the Theory of Law

Kant postulates the innate right of everyone to freedom. In his opinion, it is an object of the right to bring the exercise of individual freedom of the individual with the freedom of everyone according to a universal law in accordance.

The state law is the emergence of a political order in which the sovereign - the people - guaranteed freedom and equality of all citizens. Indispensable prerequisite for the functioning of the State under the laws of freedom, the separation of powers.

The cosmopolitan law (ius cosmopoliticum ) governs the Community coexistence of nations to prevent wars.

Notes on the theory of virtue

Among the duties of virtue against other people is one of Kant "respect " of others as an acknowledgment of their human dignity. The commandment is to never use people merely as a means, but always at any time as an end in itself.

The virtue of duty to oneself is - according to the idea and as a moral purpose - the perfection of his own personality. However, this is merely a moral intention, the implementation of a lack of self-knowledge can be realized very imperfectly.

See also: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Perpetual Peace, Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone.

Quote

"Every action is right which or after its maxim the freedom of choice of each with everyone's freedom in accordance with a general law can be made together. "