Immanuel Kant: Difference between revisions

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== Categorical Imperative ==
== Categorical Imperative ==


Kant is known for his theory morality is based on an intrinsic obligation, which he called the "Categorical Imperative". In his view, what we "ought" to do is what is good, and what is good is not what may suit a particular individual or situation but something that would be good when universally implemented. The categorical imperatives are principles that are intrinsically valid; they are good in and of themselves; they must be obeyed in all, and by all, situations and circumstances if our behavior is to observe the moral law.
In [[ML11|one of his letters]], [[Koot Hoomi|Mahatma K.H.]] makes a comment to [[A. O. Hume]] about Kant's philosophy:
 
<blockquote>We, who have studied a little Kant's moral teachings, analyzed them somewhat carefully, have come to the conclusion that even this great thinker's views on that form of duty (das Sollen) which defines the methods of moral action — notwithstanding his one-sided affirmation to the contrary — falls short of a full definition of an unconditional absolute principle of morality — as we understand it.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 11 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>
 
Kant's theory of morality is based what he called "Categorical Imperative", a duty or obligation that comes from principles intrinsically valid, that they are good in and of themselves. In his view, what we "ought" to do to be moral is whatever is good, not in a particular individual or situation, but what would be good if universally implemented.

Revision as of 18:22, 25 April 2012


Categorical Imperative

In one of his letters, Mahatma K.H. makes a comment to A. O. Hume about Kant's philosophy:

We, who have studied a little Kant's moral teachings, analyzed them somewhat carefully, have come to the conclusion that even this great thinker's views on that form of duty (das Sollen) which defines the methods of moral action — notwithstanding his one-sided affirmation to the contrary — falls short of a full definition of an unconditional absolute principle of morality — as we understand it.[1]

Kant's theory of morality is based what he called "Categorical Imperative", a duty or obligation that comes from principles intrinsically valid, that they are good in and of themselves. In his view, what we "ought" to do to be moral is whatever is good, not in a particular individual or situation, but what would be good if universally implemented.

  1. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence No. 11 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.