The Moral Argument

Question 1

What type of argument is Kants?

Answer 1

It’s a postulate, God’s existence is something, due to the nature of morality, we should postulate (assume)

Question 2

Give background info of argument (what he has to solve and where published etc)

Answer 2

Wrote book: “Critique of Practical reason” which Focusses greatly on his ethics. He does not aim to ‘prove’ god’s existence but the rationality of humans behaviour indicates God’s existence who is necessary for justice in the afterlife. Book opens with “two things fill the mind with ever new increasing admiration and awe… the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.”

Question 3

OUTLINE key essay points for Kant’s argument

Answer 3

• Intro (Critique of practical reason - Noumenal and Phenomenal world of knowledge)
• Goodwill and duty how they lead to summum bonum
• Summum bonum (moral perfection, only in afterlife)
• KANTS MORAL ARGUMENT PREMISES/CONCLUSION

Question 4

Explain Kant’s view on goodwill and duty regarding his moral argument (universal)

Answer 4

Kant believed we should strive towards