Kantian Ethics: Exploring Moral Philosophy and Virtue

This essay delves into the core tenets of Kantian ethics, examining the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. It explores the importance of intention in determining the moral worth of an action, arguing that actions driven by duty, rather than personal desires or emotions, are truly moral. The essay highlights the significance of virtue, defined as the will to fulfill one's duties despite challenges, and emphasizes the need for a resolute commitment to morality. Furthermore, the essay discusses the implications of Kant's ideas, particularly the categorical imperatives, in establishing a moral framework for society, emphasizing human autonomy and the duties individuals have to humanity. The essay concludes by advocating for the practical application of Kantian principles in contemporary society.

Running head: KANT’S ETHICAL SYSTEM 1
Kant’s Ethical System
Name of the Student
Name of the Institution

KANT’S ETHICAL SYSTEM 2
Kant’s Ethical System
The Kantian ethical system demands us to analyze the intention behind the act as the
criterion for judging the goodness or the badness of a human act. The intention, in this case,
means what propel a person to perform a specific human action. The conclusion was inspired by
Kant’s conviction that, an individual moral worth can only be judged to be good if one is driven
by morality. For example, if desires or emotions motivate a person to do a charitable act, then
such an action cannot render them moral worth. Therefore, based on this understanding I think
Immanuel Kant has it right.
Kantian moral reasoning appeal to me because I agree with Kant that, moral worth should
be derived from doing something you know it is your duty and you would do it irrespective of
whether you like it or not (Vaughn, 2015). Virtue is thus the will to accomplish one’s duties
regardless of internal and external hindrances. As a consequence, a virtuous person must possess
the goodwill that is resolutely resolved and determined to conquer temptations to immorality
(Shafer-Landau, 2014). Such determination is necessary if our society today was to have a moral
foundation. Although it is not easy to attain it, we have an obligation to strive for it. Besides,
these ideas brought forth by Kant appeal to me because they explicitly distinguish what is right
from what is wrong.
In conclusion, designing of the categorical imperatives offer us laws to which we
conform, thus maintaining human autonomy and freedom by thinking of individual's duties to
humanity, and not only what satisfies our sentiments or renders us happy.

KANT’S ETHICAL SYSTEM 3
References
Shafer-Landau, R. (2014). The fundamentals of ethics.
Vaughn, L. (2015). Doing ethics: Moral reasoning and contemporary issues. WW Norton &
Company.