Grounding for the metaphysics of morals - Essay Example

Summary of Kant’s Grounding for the Metaphysics of morals In “Grounding for the metaphysics of morals; with On a supposed right tolie because of philanthropic concern,” Kant defines grounding as the meta-ethical treatment of foundations and the moral doctrine contained in the metaphysics of morals. This refers to the philosophy falling under the single supreme principle of pure reason rather than empirical reason. As a Philosopher in Morals, he is one of the prominent contributors in the formulation of the standards by which every day actions are judged as either moral or immoral.

He explains that morality can only be achieved when individuals in a community act in such a way, as they would expect others to act towards them thus resulting in a free community with members serving their purpose. In such a community, each individual lives by the same set of rules that he applies to others (the law is applied universally and there are no exceptions). As a result, each individual acts as the law and at the same time cooperates harmoniously with others to achieve autonomy. This he called the kingdom of ends which has law as its formal ordering principle.

A categorical imperative whereby any action commanded should be done because it is the right thing and not because the action will be rewarded should be incorporated.Members of a community should not be the subjects to the rule of law but the lawmakers because of the universal way by which they act. Any member can impose on another member a law that they would impose on themselves and not treat another as a means to an end rather as an equal entity. Morally, one is required to conform to the rule of law freely to enable the community to be self-regulating and enable the members to be free.

Any action that is unjust is deemed immoral. The author appreciates the rule of law in society because laws are there to protect the weak and to uphold moral rightness and as such, the law and morality need to work in synergy to promote harmony.