IMMANUEL KANT & DUTIES TO ONESELF

Farah Adibah Samsudin (0813434)Irfarina Ahmad Nazli (0814548)

Majdina Mansor (0817788)Roziana Md Arob (081)

Syazwani Safri (081)Nur ‘Ain Sakinah Mohd Isnaini (0816240)

Nur Saadah (081)

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

• Born in Konigsberg, Prussia.• His family was strongly influenced by religion.• Spent fifteen years as a lecturer in the

University of Konisberg.• His works are related to metaphysics,

philosophy and natural sciences.

Individual Morality & Duties to Oneself

The Basis of Self-Regarding Duties

• ultimate principle in Kant’s ethical system – freedom

• freedom must come with restrictions to avoid savage

disorder – essential for “ends of humanity”

• restrict ourselves based on rational understanding

• any actions which makes us incapable of using our

freedom/ power is wrong.

e.g. getting drunk, drug abuse

• principle of duties towards oneself :

self- esteem NOT self-favour

Proper self respect

1) Humility/ Modesty comes from having a lower opinion of ourselves

in the light of moral law

we should not feel depressed if we cannot follow

the law

through faith and prayer we can find the needed

strength to act according to the law

2) Noble pride

perceive ourselves equal to others

we are not superior nor do we have a low

opinion of ourselves

• when we are humble -- we possess self-esteem

• There are 2 types of self esteem:

i) Pragmatic self-respect

based on rules of prudence/cautiousness

ii) Moral self-esteem

develop higher self-esteem by conforming to the

moral law

self satisfaction is gained when we act according

to the perfect moral law

Conscience

• Kant’s view-“An instinct to pass judgement upon ourselves in accordance with moral laws.”

• 2 categories in evaluating people:a. Judgements of Prudence

(one feels guilty because of the punishment)b. Judgements of Conscience

(one feels true regret for the crime he has done)

Self Love

• Definition: “An inclination to be well-content in judging our own perfection.”

• The distinction between self-love and arrogance are made.

• Arrogance: believe he/she has a perfect moral conscience compared to others.

• Self-loving people don’t pretend to have perfect moral.

• Kant proposes that if we have to choose between being self-esteem or being loved by people, we should choose the first one.

• E.g: A judge who judges others fairly and doesn’t receive bribe may not be liked by many but he/she will find happiness in knowing that he is respected by others for his virtue.

Self-mastery• Related to respect for one’s own person in

relation to the essential ends of humanity.• Pragmatic discipline of prudence-: our rational

understanding is used as means to satisfy our inclinations/desire but without violating social law.

• Moral discipline-: effort to control our sensibilities by moral law

• Problem in developing self-mastery: motivational components (we know it’s wrong but we still do it)

Self-scrutiny Moral self-perfectionObserve ourselves and our actions consciously.By habitual practice and self-cultivation, we will develop desire for morally good conducts and at the same time dislike for morally bad conducts.

Physical state of the body affect our mind, which in turn influences thinking.Rational understanding must take control over imaginations.To achieve moral self-perfection, we must develop healthy body and mind.

Self-observation Mental attitude & Steadfastness of mind

We should distinguish between good intention and good actions (greater significance: good actions.Suspension of judgement: the control of the mind.Not to act recklessly until decision is made by fully considering and analysing it.

Mental attitude i.To be steady and calm but be disturbed at the sight of evil.Steadfastness of the mind i.To not give in to physical ills or unforeseen circumstances. (e.g: accidents)ii.Remove false appearances and vain hopes.

Duties to Our Own Bodies in Regard to Life

• The body and the mind have to work together.• If you have a healthy mind but given a sick body, you

cannot do anything.• People involved in suicide have a hard time to think

rationally (makes wrong decision by ending life in such a horrific way).

• emotionally confused individuals think committing suicide is the best solution to all pain and suffering.

• According to Kant, suicide is permissible if one cannot go on living honourably.

Duties toward the bodies itself

• the body must be disciplined as it affects the mind.e.g : Taking good care of your car.

• Things frequently done will become a habit. If not stopped early, your mind cannot control your action anymore. e.g: drug addicts know it’s wrong to abuse drugs but can’t stop from doing it because the body is dependent on the substance.

• Do not be excessive in maintainiing your body’s need.

Occupation

• comprised of either work or play--work is preferable.

• without occupation, we become lazy.• if we remain idle or lazy too long, it is more

difficult to regain our former energy of mind.• through work, we experience a greater fullness of

life & greater sense of personal achievement.

• relate ourselves with things in the material world.• external thing is classified into: necessities (basic stuff)

& services (complementary)• individuals can be happy even if they are poor or

lacking in comforts of life • we should cultivate a positive mind – cheerful courage

Self-referring Duties in Respect of External Circumstances

• without strength of mind we are not able to fully perform moral duties

• man should not turn amenities into necessities to avoid insecurity

• to avoid this man must discipline the mind• indulging in luxury makes it difficult to walk the path

of morality