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Single Idea 4251

[from 'Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals' by Immanuel Kant, in 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 6. Motivation for Duty ]

Full Idea

The Kantian view of what is important is that people should give moral considerations the highest deliberative priority, which Hegel attacked because it gives moral thought no content.

Gist of Idea

If we are required to give moral thought the highest priority, this gives morality no content

Source

comment on Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785]) by Bernard Williams - Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy Ch.10

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.184


A Reaction

Interesting. This points towards empathy and compassion as motivators, rather than reason, because there is some content to the morality, which calls out to us.

Related Idea

Idea 8029 You can't have a morality which is supplied by the individual, but is also genuinely universal [Hegel, by MacIntyre]