Immanuel Kant,

Fundamentals Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals

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Immanuel Kant, in his notion of metaphysics of morals, noted that nothing conceived in the world can be referred to as good without qualifications except for goodwill. Although other talents of the mind such as wit, judgment, intelligence, courage named as qualities of temperament are desirable and good in many respects, they can be extremely mischievous if the will that comprises them is not good. Similarly, gifts of fortune including riches, honor, health, power, and general well being are used to define one’s condition of happiness. These gifts breed pride and presumption if there is no goodwill to inspire it on the mind, and rectify the principle of adapting and acting to its end. The sight of human beings that are not adorned with single features of pure goodwill enjoy unbroken prosperity cannot pleasure impartial and rational spectators. Hence, goodwill seems to comprise the indispensable condition that one is worthy of experiencing happiness. Some values that are of service to goodwill itself facilitate its action but they do not have an intrinsic and unconditional value. The actions always presuppose goodwill which qualifies the kind of esteem we hold for them and does not allow us to refer to them as absolutely good (Kant2017). In many respects, it is good to moderate the passions and affections, calm deliberations, and self-control as a part of the intrinsic worth of a person. Despite this, they are still far from being regards as good without necessary qualification despite being unconditionally praised by ancients. Without the principles of goodwill, they become dangerous. Worth noting, the coolness of villains makes them more dangerous making them repulsive in the eyes of others than he would have been without goodwill.

Goodwill is a good thing, not because of the activities it performs, its effects, aptness for achieving the proposed end but simply by virtue of volition (Kant, 2018). In essence, goodwill is good in itself and it considers itself to have higher esteem than all that is presented to it favoring any inclination and even the total number of inclinations. This goodwill should lack the power to accomplish its purpose even if it happens as a result of fortune or special disfavor or the stipulation of a step-motherly nature. Noteworthy, with greatest efforts, goodwill ought to accomplish nothing and should remain as only goodwill. This is because, just like a jewel, it shines brightly in its light as something that has value for itself. Moreover, the fruitfulness and usefulness can either take away or add to this value.

References

Kant, I. (2017). Kant: The metaphysics of morals. Cambridge University Press.

Kant, I. (2018). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals: With an Updated Translation, Introduction, and Notes. Yale University Press.