Clarification of Kant

4:427-429

Immanuel Kant defines the parameters that define moral value in an objective way. He starts off by explaining the definition of will is having the ability and enforcing oneself to do something which is solely based on certain laws. This capability of a will is only found in rational beings. I hope to simplify and clarify the difference that Kant expresses between subjective and objective ends. When actions are the end and are actions that have to be done regardless of the outcomes then they have an objective value to them. Kant then states that when actions are subjective, they usually have a desire associated with it and rewards are expected. When one looks for a reward at the end of his or her action the action then becomes relative because only their sense of desire makes the action contain any worth. This means that these actions do not necessarily have to be forced upon every single rational being.

Kant then goes on to say that the mere existence of rational beings is the end. Every rational being is the end of which our action is done. Kant thinks that there is absolute worth in these beings which requires one in an objective way to respect that being. Since every rational being like oneself is an end then each person must be treated in that objective way. This means that each person should not respect simply as a means of gaining something but rather as a moral duty. The Bhagavad Gita has a similar view that “motive should never be in the fruits of the action” (Chapter 2 Verse 47).