3. Kant: the three postulates

Question 1

define three ps

Answer 1

In Kantian ethics, in obeying a moral command, individuals are accepting three postulates as necessary conditions for the practical realization of morality.

Question 2

postulate 1

Answer 2

Freedom: According to Kant, individuals must be free in order to be morally responsible for their actions.

Question 3

postulate 2

Answer 3

Immortality: Kant believed that individuals must have an immortal soul in order for morality to be meaningful. This is because morality is concerned with the ultimate end or purpose of human life, and this end cannot be fully realized within a finite lifespan. Therefore, an immortal soul is necessary for the practical realization of morality.

Question 4

Postulate 3

Answer 4

God: According to Kant, the existence of God is necessary to ensure that morality is ultimately rewarded and that justice is done. This is because moral action does not always lead to happiness or success in this world, and it may sometimes require sacrifice or suffering.

Question 5

why in obeying a moral command they are being accepted?

Answer 5

In obeying moral command, individuals are acknowledging that they have the capacity to act freely, that they are striving towards an ultimate end that requires an immortal soul, and that they are accountable to a higher power that ensures justice is done.

they serve as practical assumptions that individuals can adopt in order to fulfill their moral duties.
Kant argues that these postulates are necessary for a moral life providing a framework in which individuals can uphold moral principles.