POLI_2P92_D3_S1_2022_03_07_Lecture

POLI – 2P92 LEC Mar 07, 2022 R’s Second Discourse & Social Contract Intro to Kant (Morals & Politics)  Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804) o “Germans” (ambitious, synthesis) o Kant: strict, religious background (Lutheran) o Taught as unsalaried lecturer at university for many years o Famously fastidious habits (i.e., his 4am walks) o As a result of his growing reputation from some of his books, he finally got a full- time position o Greatly influenced by Plato & Aristotle early on Rousseau’s influence is significant (establishes R’s GW?)  Kant: Moral Foundations o “Nothing can possible be conceived in the world, or even out of it, which can be called good, without qualification, except of good will .” o “Good works” or “good consequences” can be truly evil if the will is not good (ex: selfish) o What makes a will good? – acting out of moral duty is key 1. Duty vs. Inclination (keeping ourselves alive; cheerfulness)  “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” o Reason presents to us different imperatives or matters of duty o Two fundamental kinds: 1. Hypothetical imperatives: a course action is necessary to achieve a desire end (degree, wealth)  These are not good in themselves nor absolutely necessary 2. Categorical imperatives: in themselves good and necessary  “Act only on that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”  Using reason, we can will (discover, create?) the moral law o Applications of the categorical imperative (Kant’s example): 1. Borrowing money with no intention to return it  Can never will be a universal law o Good for self, not good for everybody o Loss of trust, no one will give out 2. Deciding not to develop and share talents  Natural obligation to develop natural abilities, if decide not to do, no more