1. Kant (1) Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Section 1

2. Kant’s focus on everyday moral experience “What if everyone did that?” “I wouldn’t like myself if I did that.” A morally good person does the right thing just because it is the right thing

3. Two kinds of reasoning Theoretical: concerned with description of existing objects (determining what is the case) Practical: concerned with production of objects in accordance with a conception of those objects (determining what to do)

4. Some contrasts

5. Deontological theory Contrasts with consequentialism Does not start with the good Treats “the right” as independent of and having priority over the good

6. A good will Kant: We can’t start with the good, because the only thing good without qualification is a good will “A good will acts in accordance with duty not out of inclination but rather out of respect for the moral law” This is a deontological approach

7. Practical reasoning Kant wants to show that morality stems from correct practical reasoning Practical reasoning justifies action by determining justifiable “maxims” of action A maxim has the form “I am to do x in circumstances y in order to bring about z”

8. Examples I am to wash my car (x) when it looks dirty (y) in order to maintain its attractive appearance (z) I am to wash my car (x) once a week (y) in order to protect it from rust damage (z)

9. Ways to test a maxim 1 Make sure the end (z) satisfies our inclinations 2 Make sure the action (x) is effective in bringing about the end (z) in the circumstances (y) 3 Kant: reject 1, apply 2 but also make sure that the maxim is fit to be a principle for all rational beings

10. The Categorical Imperative “Act only on maxims you could consistently adopt as laws for all rational beings” This is a requirement of correct practical reasoning It is the source of morality