Kant’s Theory of Morality Becomes a Necessity in Present Times

Immanuel Kant was a renowned and transformative figure in the history of the modern world. He is famous for his contributions to the field of Philosophy. Kant has performed ground-breaking work in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. He has left an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape, and his ideas resonate in contemporary times about the nature of knowledge, morality, and aesthetics. The degeneration of morality in our times compelled us to question the epistemology of morality. Kant’s moral theory, deontology, gives us a more authentic and humanistic definition of morality. Understanding the Kantian theory will lessen animosities, hatred, and conflicts in our contemporary times.

Kant has emphasized a rule-based morality. It is more practical and objective. It reduces confusion and ambiguity. It is always right. Kant’s theory always brings positive outcomes. A moral rule like Do not lie is valid, and if it ends up with people getting harmed, even if it is the right thing.

Morality based on subjective experience leads to individualistic outcomes. In contemporary times, we see the growth of morality based on the notion that might is right or that money can buy everything. Those who have power can oppress those who are weak. According to Kant, morality is a natural law for human existence that applies to everyone.

Kant argued that morality cannot be based on either emotions or our subjective experiences of the world. Morality based on emotions and experiences makes it weak. Every moral law must have an unconditional obligation, which means the law must have an absolute necessity if it is to be valid morally. The unconditional obligation is significant for a moral law because a moral law is an open book for interpretations. For instance, people can use moral rules like ‘do not lie’ as a pretext to lie because it suits their interests or benefits them. Israel thinks that it is morally right to kill even children and women. Their interests aren’t morally right.

Kant believes that morality must be based on reason. It is the reason that provides the unconditional necessity for moral law. Reason in moral law reduces the chances of overriding subjectivity and personal interest. Human beings are rational beings who have free will. These values set us apart from other beings. Humans know that reason commands us to behave in a certain way, which could form the basis of objective moral law. An objective moral law is intrinsic and the core of human nature. It comes out of collective human consciousness. An objective moral law is true for everyone, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, and other human considerations. Humans have objectively concluded that life is a precious gift, and it is morally wrong to kill anyone. Reason gives an unconditional basis for a moral law.

Kant has also drawn a famous distinction between categorical and hypothetical imperatives. A hypothetical imperative is a command or action to fulfill a goal, interest, and desire. These imperatives are more personal. They are directed at particular circumstances and goals. The hypothetical commands aren’t moral because these commands are directed based on personal interests, desires, and goals. Kant believes that categorical imperatives (CI) are a way to evaluate moral actions and make moral judgments. These commands aren’t directed to perform specific actions—it doesn’t say, “Follow the Ten Commandments” or “Kill Jews based on their faith”. The categorical Imperative is a blueprint to evaluate any action and its moral relevance. Kant argues that moral law is universal, impartial, and rational. CI is a criterion by which any action can pass the impartiality, universality, and rationality of morals. CI made all moral commands universal. It lacks subjectivity and derives from shared human consciousness based on the values of rationality.

Morality has been a desired topic to ponder throughout the circles of philosophers, religious and political leaders, and every human being. Every group has used its own ways to reach out to the question of morality. Religion has emphasized a moral law defined by God for the people. Religion that has existed in human history has propagated a common moral law that aims to unite humans. Philosophers address morality from different angles and have various interpretations. Immanuel Kant’s approach toward morality matches with religious morality. Morality must be derived from reason because rational morality is universal and impartial.