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Single Idea 4345

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

Full Idea

Kant, we may suppose, would say that if a man were 'cold in temperament and indifferent to the sufferings of others', he would still find in himself a source that would enable him to do what is benevolent.

Gist of Idea

For Kant, even a person who lacks all sympathy for others still has a motive for benevolence

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785]) by Rosalind Hursthouse - On Virtue Ethics Ch.4

Book Reference

Hursthouse,Rosalind: 'On Virtue Ethics' [OUP 2001], p.101


A Reaction

This identifies a strong appeal of Kant's theory - that whether we are morally good should not be a matter of luck in our upbringing or natural temperament. How is the vicious person to be saved, if not by reason?