Single Idea 18234

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / f. Ultimate value]

Full Idea

Kant argues that the good will is unconditionally good because it is the only thing able to be a source of value.

Gist of Idea

The good will is unconditionally good, because it is the only possible source of value

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Critique of Practical Reason [1788]) by Christine M. Korsgaard - Aristotle and Kant on the Source of Value 8 'Kant'

Book Reference

Korsgaard,Christine M.: 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' [CUP 1996], p.240


A Reaction

The obvious worry is the circularity of resting a theory of value on identifying a 'good' will as its source.

Related Ideas

Idea 18675 Kant may rate two things as finally valuable: having a good will, and deserving happiness [Orsi on Kant]

Idea 1454 Morality is not about making ourselves happy, but about being worthy of happiness [Kant]