Single Idea 3729

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 6. Motivation for Duty]

Full Idea

Inclinations, as a source of needs, are so far from having an absolute value to make them desirable for their own sake that it must rather be the universal wish of every rational being to be wholly free from them.

Gist of Idea

Our inclinations are not innately desirable; in fact most rational beings would like to be rid of them

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 428.65)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.90