Kant and Good Will
On Tuesday, Kant was introduced and his idea that what makes an action moral is if it is done out of good will, contrary to Mill’s idea that states that an action is moral if it increases overall happiness. Kant believes that good will is the most important characteristic a person can have and that fulfilling your duty is the most moral thing you can possibly do. When you do something with no alternative motives other than to do what is right, you are being moral. The topic of giving to charity was discussed thoroughly I somewhat agree with Kant, but not completely.
I believe that giving to charity out of duty without receiving any compensation whatsoever, whether it be financial or emotional, it is the most noble thing to do. However, just because you do receive compensation, that should not make your action void of any moral substance, especially if your primary reason for giving to charity is because of duty. It is still the right thing to do and you are still fulfilling your duty, but you just so happen to be getting something out of it. I think that Kant is partially right, but there is no way that the only actions that are moral are the ones performed coldly without any satisfaction coming from them.
jasonmu said,
June 18, 2007 at 2:42 pm
I agree with your view on Kant’s idea of duty and will because i also feel that a person may not do something with a direct inclination but if the kick back is favorable that should not negate his/her original intention to give.