Greek deontologist Kant defines moral worthiness using duty and not action. For ethical people, duty drives their actions, a principle guiding their actions (Kant, 2017). These duties are imperative, which can be either hypothetical or categorical. Categorical imperatives drive morality drives morality, which is essentially an action one ought to do, dutiful endeavors. However, Kant emphasizes the value of our intentions in the activities as the determinant of morality. Because choices vary among people, Kant uses 'good will' to differentiate moral from bad. This 'good will' is considered to be intrinsically valuable. Implying that opinions on one's worth are centered on oneself against the 'good will' rather than comparison with other people because people have different morality perspectives.
Based on Kant's maxim principle, one's moral worth is hinged on our duty against a universal law test. The law here is an idea of perfection. If our choices cannot be universalized, then they are considered immoral. For example, if one feels to rob a bank to finance their entrepreneurial desires, they must consider if it will be ok to have a law allowing people to rob banks. The answer is no because the action will eliminate the banking system they need for their business. In this case, the maxim is self-defeating, depicting immorality.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Another idea of determining morality is to treat humanity as an end and not the means. Moral duty observes dignity and respect. Kant argues that humans are rational and autonomous. They deserve to be treated with respect and help achieve their goals but not use them as tools or objects for personal gains.
The other idea of perfection is the principle of the 'kingdom of ends' that evaluates if our intentions are beneficial or acceptable at the social level (Kant, 2017). Other moral beings in society can recognize ethical activities. The general acceptance of actions by the community serves as an idea of perfection.
In summary, Kant's moral theory underpins fairness and individual value compared to comparison with other people. The intrinsic moral worth is evaluated upon principles of the maxim, kingdom of ends, and respect and dignity for humanity.
Reference
Kant, I. (2017). Kant: The metaphysics of morals . Cambridge University Press.
