Professor Unna
PHIL 1105 AA
17 September 2020
Kant’s Groundwork p. 55-76
Groundwork 55-62 : 1.What are the different branches of philosophy and their subject matter Kant distinguishes on pp. 55f?
Kant distinguishes several types of philosophy on page 55; physics, ethics, and logic. All rational knowledge is subdivided into material and formal knowledge. Material knowledge is concerned with some object and formal is concerned with the form of reason and understanding themselves. Formal philosophy is called logic while material philosophy is divided into nature or
freedom. The science of nature is called physics, and the science of freedom is called ethics.
2.What does Kant mean by “metaphysics”?
Kant describes metaphysics as logic based on principals confined to determine objects of understanding. 3. Why should ethics not be based on experience?
Kant believes ethics should not be based on experience, or empirical philosophy, because moral
doctrines should be based on principles. If doctrines are set forth entirely on principals, it can be referred to as “pure philosophy,” and Kant believes there is a great need for pure philosophy. 4. What is the aim of the Groundwork?
The aim of Groundwork is to “seek out and establish the supreme principle of morality” according to Kant on page 61. Groundwork 63-76 : 1.What is the good will?
Good will is defined by Kant as an entity that sets a limit on esteem – moderation in affections and passions, self-control and sober relaxion are considered good to Kant and seem to constitute the inner worth of the individual. MOTIVES
2. What is the purpose of a rational being? Is it self-preservation, happiness or something else?
The purpose of the rational being is not happiness directly, but indirectly. Moreover, the function of reason gives us a will to act and produces a will that is good, therefore, reason is a means within itself to in turn give us happiness. 3. What is the difference between acting a) in conformity with duty b) from duty
Acting in conformity with and from duty are the same in terms of action, however what differs is motive. For example, acting in conformity with duty would mean a man is honest, but not from duty because he simply wants to protect himself, he is not being honest because it is necessarily right or wrong.
PHIL 1105 AA
17 September 2020
Kant’s Groundwork p. 55-76
Groundwork 55-62 : 1.What are the different branches of philosophy and their subject matter Kant distinguishes on pp. 55f?
Kant distinguishes several types of philosophy on page 55; physics, ethics, and logic. All rational knowledge is subdivided into material and formal knowledge. Material knowledge is concerned with some object and formal is concerned with the form of reason and understanding themselves. Formal philosophy is called logic while material philosophy is divided into nature or
freedom. The science of nature is called physics, and the science of freedom is called ethics.
2.What does Kant mean by “metaphysics”?
Kant describes metaphysics as logic based on principals confined to determine objects of understanding. 3. Why should ethics not be based on experience?
Kant believes ethics should not be based on experience, or empirical philosophy, because moral
doctrines should be based on principles. If doctrines are set forth entirely on principals, it can be referred to as “pure philosophy,” and Kant believes there is a great need for pure philosophy. 4. What is the aim of the Groundwork?
The aim of Groundwork is to “seek out and establish the supreme principle of morality” according to Kant on page 61. Groundwork 63-76 : 1.What is the good will?
Good will is defined by Kant as an entity that sets a limit on esteem – moderation in affections and passions, self-control and sober relaxion are considered good to Kant and seem to constitute the inner worth of the individual. MOTIVES
2. What is the purpose of a rational being? Is it self-preservation, happiness or something else?
The purpose of the rational being is not happiness directly, but indirectly. Moreover, the function of reason gives us a will to act and produces a will that is good, therefore, reason is a means within itself to in turn give us happiness. 3. What is the difference between acting a) in conformity with duty b) from duty
Acting in conformity with and from duty are the same in terms of action, however what differs is motive. For example, acting in conformity with duty would mean a man is honest, but not from duty because he simply wants to protect himself, he is not being honest because it is necessarily right or wrong.
