9/28/21, 10:03 AM Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals Chapter 2 – Part 1 Summary & Analysis | SparkNotes

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Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals Immanuel Kant

Summary

Chapter 2 – Part 1

Summary

It is generally recognized that actions are not truly moral if they are performed in conformity with duty but not for the sake of duty alone.

Nevertheless, it is almost impossible to ?nd examples of actions performed exclusively out of a sense of duty. Nearly every action we observe can

be attributed to some motive other than pure duty. Indeed, it is often impossible to know whether even our own true motives are pure.

The lack of examples of pure moral action may seem disheartening. Yet we may take heart in the fact that all rational beings may recognize that

reason imposes clear moral demands.

Furthermore, we should recognize that it would be impossible for us to derive universal moral laws from speci?c events and experiences; since all

events are contingent upon speci?c circumstances, none of our experiences can be a source of moral principles that apply in all cases and all

circumstances. Even our idea of God, the perfect being, is not based on experience, but rather on our a priori idea of moral perfection. Developing a

clearer understanding of a priori moral concepts can help to reinforce our moral sense against the distractions of competing interests and

motivations.

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