Kant's Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals - Essay Example

Short Response to Kant’s Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals In reference to the first chapter of I. Kant’s Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals, Kant exhibits conviction to his philosophy on the essence of reason and the significant role it plays on the capacity to accomplish one’s moral duty. Personally, I find his discourse on this matter quite appealing and consistent with the 18th century motto of enlightenment that states “Have courage to use your own reason” which according to Kant signifies the task of mankind to hold accountability for becoming enlightened.

Pointing out certain human attributes concerning this proposition, he specifically delineates immaturity as the initial stage at which an unenlightened man is to be found then only by finding courage with reason can an individual attain to the state of competence and abolish ignorance. Kant argues that “our will is good when it is determined by reason” and the courage serves as a fuel toward the execution of reason. On this ground, humans are summoned to acknowledge responsibility by way of paying courage worth on initiating to acquire the pertinent means to discern oneself and create appropriate ethical response to the world.

The power of reason is crucial and Kant promotes it for the sake of enlightenment much as he adheres to the power of reason for the purpose of obeying the dictates of universal law. Reflecting after this regard, I believe that the philosopher in his time desires to bring across resolution to the chaotic nature of man under the governance of reasoning so that a man discovers the potential advantage of being rational. For one to realize the value attached with duty, Kant likely conveys the requirement to appreciate reason.

Moreover, he seems to try to make sense of reason in the light of distinguishing an action that comes from the pure intention to perform duty from an action that emerges out of self-interest or inclination. Here, Kant calls for the need to understand how reason manages to sustain enlightenment in human and in turn, the enlightened condition naturally opts for a deed with moral quality. A man whose well-being has reached such an extent of intellect or thought can be expected to act based on the so-called ‘maxim’ with the basic principle that “the moral action is to do one’s duty”.

This I suppose is equivalent to claiming that a morally conscious person is one who has been refined in the process of enlightenment out of which proceeds the imperative of goodwill. Practically speaking, our experience of the world reveals that it is impossible for goodwill to yield as a consequence of unscrupulous reasons for at the moment we depend upon the course of reasoning, we subject ourselves to the logical attitude of thinking righteously and behaving likewise thereafter. Apparently, taking the courage to obtain rational understanding is a moral obligation considering a will to break free from the leashes of underdevelopment or that which makes a man complacent with an immature position of ordinary living.

Where one acknowledges this step as a way to be emancipated out of the old self accompanied with foolish habits, a necessary initiative or assertion follows. Then this transforming act enables acquisition of firm stand over matters as the man of reason gladly accepts risks toward comprehending morality while meeting ends that are far more rewarding and sensible in human existence. Hence, having courage to work with reason entails gradual progress of dissolving slavery to the contentment of avoiding responsibility for any fear to carry out moral duty can be eradicated by investing on self-worth whenever an individual chooses an approach to learning that is magnified by reason.