Abstract
Addressing classic objections to Kant's ethics, I explain Kant's notion of acting from duty and why he places so much value on it. I argue (among other things) that acting from duty is compatible with having an inclination so to act and with acting with pleasure, and that in the 'doctrine of virtue' he makes it plain that acting with pleasure is not only compatible with acting from duty but is part of being virtuous. I also examine the notion, central to Kant's conception of virtue, that virtue involves overcoming obstacles, asking whether the view of the virtuous person as free of inner conflict, free of contrary inclinations is preferable.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals |
| Editors | Allen Wood |
| Publisher | Yale University Press |
| Pages | 92-110 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 |