Question

According to Immanuel Kant, duty as rationally conceived is determined by:

• A. The will as an a priori principle
• B. The self-interest of the will
• C. The divine will
• D. The desire as the will

Hint:

Kant’s moral philosophy emphasizes that duty is determined by reason, not by self-interest or external factors, and is grounded in the categorical imperative.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Kant's theory of duty.
Kant's philosophy stresses that moral duty is determined by reason, not by contingent factors like self-interest or divine command. According to Kant, duty is an objective, rational principle, determined by the categorical imperative, which is based on the will as an a priori principle of moral action.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) The will as an a priori principle: This is correct. Kant believed that the will, guided by reason and the categorical imperative, determines moral duty. - (B) The self-interest of the will: This contradicts Kant's philosophy, as Kant argued that moral duties are not based on self-interest but on rational principles. - (C) The divine will: While Kant recognized religion, moral duties are not based on divine will but on rational principles that are universally binding. - (D) The desire as the will: Kant did not equate moral duty with personal desires; he viewed duty as based on rational will, not on subjective desire.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) because Kant argued that duty is determined by the will as an a priori principle, guided by reason.