Single Idea 3725

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / g. Consequentialism]

Full Idea

What is essentially good in an action consists in the mental disposition, let the consequences be what they may.

Gist of Idea

The good of an action is in the mind of the doer, not the consequences

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 416.43)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.80


A Reaction

Dreadful idea. I always claim that consequences are relevant in Kant, in formulating and choosing maxims for action, but this idea seems to refute my view. This is a slogan for the Spanish Inquisition.