Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals Literature Essay (Essay Sample)

Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals
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Institution
Explicate of the Account
Emanuel Kant’s account of morality can be understood by focusing on his principles of good will, duty, categorical and hypothetical imperatives, and autonomy. To understand Kant’s reasoning and explanations, it is vital to know the foundations and motivations of his arguments. Kant’s understanding of morality is founded on deductive reasoning. According to Kant, morality (what is right or wrong) is determined by reason as well as specific supreme principles. His focus on reason was in direct contrast to David Hume’s understanding and foundations of morality. Hume (Kant’s predecessor) argued that feelings of approval or disapproval when one contemplates an action, determined whether what one intended to do was virtuous or wrong. Hume argued that if the contemplated action was right, then one would feel happy, but the opposite was also true. Thus, according to Hume, the ability to do right or wrong was natural; in other words, it is inherent in human beings. One only needs to contemplate an action, then focus on the feelings to determine whether it is the right action or not.