Grounding For The Metaphysics Of Morals By Immanuel Kant

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In this paper, I will critique Kantian ethic’s failure to defend beings disputably labeled “irrational.” The concept of a rational being is a common motif throughout Immanuel Kant’s “Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals.” These beings comprise the foundation of his entire argument. Therefore, for the purpose of this essay, it is crucial to further examine what is meant by “rational.” Kant offers three essential requirements that separate rational beings from their irrational counterparts; the ability to reason, a moral will, and autonomy (53, 49, 41.) Rational beings are those included in his ideal “kingdom of ends” (39.) He defines this kingdom as “a systematic union of rational beings through common objective law” (39.) Since Kant’s code of ethics only applies to those deemed rational, some fundamental questions remain ambiguous. Firstly, in what manner should Kant’s higher capacity beings interact with those “incapable” of reason? Could those who fail to meet the three requirements be abused or exploited? Would this be justified? Some may conclude that Kant has evaded these inquiries altogether. Kant offers little direction in “Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals” …show more content…

This forces the definition of rational beings to be extremely significant. For instance, some animals could be easily disputed as rational, and a case could also be made for the mentally handicapped. Since Kant’s guidelines for rationality are reason, will, and autonomy, it is quite clear that many lives will not suffice, regardless of how ambiguous the requirements are for a given species. This exclusion creates some worrying interpretations of how, or whether Kantian ethics defends any outliers from exploitation. If Kant had intended for their protection, he would have mentioned such. Therefore, it must be concluded that Kantian ethics fails to protect animal rights or impaired

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