more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
Single Idea 21060
[filed under theme 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty
]
Full Idea
It would not be a duty to strive after a certain effect of our will if this effect were impossible in experience.
Gist of Idea
It can't be a duty to strive after the impossible
Source
Immanuel Kant (True in Theory, but not in Practice [1792], Intro)
Book Ref
Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.62
A Reaction
'Ought implies can' has become a familiar slogan. The quickest way to get shot of a tiresome duty is to persuade yourself that it is impossible. The seemingly impossible is occasionally achieved.
The
14 ideas
from 'True in Theory, but not in Practice'
21060
|
It can't be a duty to strive after the impossible
[Kant]
|
21059
|
General rules of action also need a judgement about when to apply them
[Kant]
|
21061
|
Duty does not aim at an end, but gives rise to universal happiness as aim of the will
[Kant]
|
21062
|
The will's motive is the absolute law itself, and moral feeling is receptivity to law
[Kant]
|
21063
|
Personal contracts are for some end, but a civil state contract involves a duty to share
[Kant]
|
21064
|
A lawful civil state must embody freedom, equality and independence for its members
[Kant]
|
21066
|
Citizens can rise to any rank that talent, effort and luck can achieve
[Kant]
|
21065
|
You can't make a contract renouncing your right to make contracts!
[Kant]
|
21067
|
A citizen must control his own life, and possess property or an important skill
[Kant]
|
21068
|
There must be a unanimous contract that citizens accept majority decisions
[Kant]
|
21069
|
A contract is theoretical, but it can guide rulers to make laws which the whole people will accept
[Kant]
|
21070
|
A law is unjust if the whole people could not possibly agree to it
[Kant]
|
21071
|
There can be no restraints on freedom if reason does not reveal some basic rights
[Kant]
|
21072
|
The people (who have to fight) and not the head of state should declare a war
[Kant]
|