LO: I will know about Kant’s view of human nature and the two realms of human existence

 Use handout from Taylor. Read through some scenarios and discuss questions.

Key question: What’s the main factor involved in this action? Is it INTENT or OUTCOME? What if a good deed becomes tangled with a dubious intention or a bad outcome? Is the action still good? E.g. Dubious intention: Help the old lady to cross the road because you want to look good and virtuous to others rather than help the old lady Bad outcome: Help the old lady cross the road so you can run off with her purse afterwards What if a good deed becomes tangled with a dubious intention or a bad outcome? Is the action still good? E.g. Dubious intention: Help the old lady to cross the road because you want to look good and virtuous to others rather than help the old lady Bad outcome: Help the old lady cross the road so you can run off with her purse afterwards

 For Kant, acting purely from emotion or outcome was not sufficient on its own to deem the action a good one.  Kant therefore focussed on intent, or motive when judging an action right or wrong.  What about dubious intent? Kant did not solely focus on intent on its own … ◦ Kant believed that all men possess REASON and a CONSCIENCE, which makes it possible for all people to arrive at an understanding of moral truths independent of experience. For him, morality is a priori, not a posteriori, and because reason is universal, then moral reasoning leads to the same results over and over again.

 Socratic slides 4 (Kant’s view of human nature) and 5 (Two realms: Noumenal and Phenomenal)  (copy & paste)

 In pairs, come up with an interview outlining Kant’s thinking of human nature and the two realms of human existence.  Some will be selected to present to the class

 Animals are interested in desire and inclinations only  God/angels use reason  Humans have a tension between reason and desires  Noumenal realm – permanent/rational  Phenomenal realm – changing/appetites driven  Humans have access to both realms

 “All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attending with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.” Blaise Pascal  We are by nature hedonists. Is this true? How would Kant respond?

 Read handout. Answer Q 1 and 2 for Thursday.

 What is Kant’s view of human nature?  What are the two realms of human existence?