Single Idea 3737

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 1. Deontology]

Full Idea

The will is absolutely good if it cannot be evil - that is, if its maxim, when made into a universal law, can never be in conflict with itself.

Gist of Idea

The will is good if its universalised maxim is never in conflict with itself

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 437.81)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.98