Single Idea 3714

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty]

Full Idea

An action done from duty has its moral worth, not in the purpose to be attained by it, but in the maxim according to which it is decided upon.

Gist of Idea

Dutiful actions are judged not by purpose, but by the maxim followed

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 399.13)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.65