Single Idea 22050

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 5. Persons as Ends]

Full Idea

Kant does not dictate what the maxim (the principle) of my action should be, and this is the crux. The individual has to decide the basis for their actions, rather than have it imposed on them, which differentiates us from the world of nature.

Gist of Idea

The maxim of an action is chosen, and not externally imposed

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785]) by Andrew Bowie - German Philosophy: a very short introduction 1

Book Reference

Bowie,Andrew: 'German Philosophy: very short intro' [OUP 2010], p.16


A Reaction

Apparenty this inspired the Romantic era (the Age of Freedom?) just as much as the French Revolution. It is the chief doctrine of extreme individualism - except that the maxim chosen should be one on which rational beings should agree.