PHIL2505: Groundwork - Sections 2 & 3
FIRST FORMULATION OF THE UNIVERSAL LAW
(402) "Since i have deprived..."
Rational behaviour is only conformity to an universal law.
-> the obedience of any law does not illicit 'respect'
Reason can only give 'respect' to something that is valid internally and by itself.
when does an universal law become normative -> binding to us?
=> look into the second section
Normative characteristics come from our ability to self-determine the laws' binding to the
individual.
E.G. false promises
2nd ARGUMENT WITHIN GROUNDWORK (412)
Pratical reason as the will
-> adopt principles in order to act
contrast will with (arbitary)
choice -> whim
The will is the faculty that allows us to choose the good, and the will allows us to hold the good and restrain ourselves to act in its light because the will can pursue its end despite its inclination.
Maxims are not moral principles, specifically not categorical imperatives, they are self-imposed practical principles or self-imposed rules that guide action.
Hypothetical imperatives
-> ends driven
-> pursue skilled ends
-> prudence; seek happiness
-> instrumental
Categorical Imperatives
-> unconditional
-> something we ought to do
-> intrinsic worth
-> no alterior end
Hypothetical imperatives are not moral imperatives and are distinguished fro the categorical imperative because they are in effect ends driven or are imperatives of
skill.
Categorical imperatives have no conditions and thus have no ends to motivate us. The imperative neccessity realised by our reason motivates us.
The conditions are set up to show us that moral (or categorical) imperatives are binding upon us
OR why they ought to be binding upon us.
FORMULA OF THE UNIVERSAL LAW (420-1)
"act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become an universal law" (421)
"act as if the maxim of your action should through your will become a law of nature." (421)
Laws, we reasonably ascent to, that are applicable to everyone under all circumstances.
EGs.
1. suicide violates a duty to oneself
2. false promises violates our duty to others
3. not pursuing one's talents violates a duty to oneself
4. refusing to help others violates our duties to others
The categorical imperative tell us that we "ought not to take the liberty of making an exception to it for ourselves (or just this once) to the advantage of our inclination." (424)
HUMANITY AS AN ENDS IN ITSELF
The idea of duty implies an analytic understaning of the notion of categorical imperatives; however there is a lack of motivation.
The moral law must be established a priori - with nothing empirical (must meet this demand) - this is what gives it necessity.
Labels: notes, philosophy