Kant

Question 1

Kant says: “For enlightenment … all that is needed is freedom.” Explain.

Answer 1

Kant believed that the freedom to reason and to intellectualize within the public allows enlightenment to be achieved.

Question 2

A blind person tries to pay for a coffee with a $100 bill, thinking mistakenly that it is a $5 bill. The barista, who prides themself on always being fair to their customers, points out the error to the blind customer, rather than pocketing the $95 for themself. According to Kant, does their action have moral worth?

Answer 2

The barista’s action has moral worth because they acted from duty, not self-interest. They respected the moral law by choosing to do the right thing regardless of their personal gain.

Question 3

What is Kant’s categorical imperative?

Answer 3

Kant’s categorical imperative is a moral principle that actions should follow the moral law, and that it should be a universal rule that everyone could rationally will to follow.