Single Idea 6186

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 6. Motivation for Duty]

Full Idea

A holy will is one which is incapable of any maxims which conflict with the moral law

Clarification

A 'maxim' is a principle followed in an action

Gist of Idea

A holy will is incapable of any maxims which conflict with the moral law

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Practical Reason [1788], I.1.1.§7)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Practical Reason (Third edition)', ed/tr. Beck,Lewis White [Library of Liberal Arts 1993], p.32


A Reaction

If such a will is 'incapable' of conflicting with moral law, it will not need to think or assess before action. This means that Kant's moral ideal can ultimately exclude the free-thinking intellect. Kant is describing a state of true Aristotelian virtue.