Single Idea 22009

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 4. Categorical Imperative]

Full Idea

Morality consists in the relation of all action to the making of laws whereby alone a kingdom of ends is possible.

Gist of Idea

Morality is the creation of the laws that enable a Kingdom of Ends

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], AA434 p.102), quoted by Terry Pinkard - German Philosophy 1760-1860 02

Book Reference

Pinkard,Terry: 'German Philosophy 1760-1860' [CUP 2002], p.54


A Reaction

Each individual gives themselves a law in the categorical imperative. Presumably the kingdom of ends is the convergence of these laws, because the categorical imperative has to be rational.