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Single Idea 22007

[from 'Critique of Practical Reason' by Immanuel Kant, in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / f. Ultimate value ]

Full Idea

For Kant, there is something about beings that can act autonomously that is itself of 'absolute worth', which Kant calls the 'dignity' [Würde] of each such agent.

Gist of Idea

An autonomous agent has dignity [Würde], which has absolute worth

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Critique of Practical Reason [1788]) by Terry Pinkard - German Philosophy 1760-1860 02

Book Reference

Pinkard,Terry: 'German Philosophy 1760-1860' [CUP 2002], p.53


A Reaction

This answers my puzzle about where Kant's fundamental values come from. Surely wicked actions can be autonomous? Autonomous actions aren't thereby good actions. A 'good' will, course, whatever that is. Rational? My problem with existentialist ethics.