Kant- Contradiction In Will And Contradiction In Conception

Question 1

What is a contradiction in conception

Answer 1

Something that is contradictory

Question 2

Give an example of a contradiction in conception

Answer 2

If stealing was universally acceptable, then you could take whatever you wanted from someone, and the owner of the object would have no argument against it. In fact, the very concept of ownership wouldn’t make sense – as everyone would have just as much right to an object as you do.

So, in a world where stealing is universally acceptable, the concept of private property disappears. If there is no such thing as private property, then stealing is impossible.

Therefore, Kant would say, the maxim “you should steal” leads to

Question 3

If a maxim leads to a contradiction in conception, what do you have

Answer 3

A perfect duty to not follow the maxim

Question 4

What is a contradiction in will

Answer 4

When you cannot rationally will the maxim

Question 5

Give an example of a contradiction in will

Answer 5

Example: can we rationally will “not to help others in need”
But we cannot rationally will it, says Kant. The reason for this is that sometimes we have ends that cannot be achieved without the help of others. To will the ends, we must also will the means.

So, we cannot rationally will such goals without also willing the help of others (the means).

Question 6

Sometimes we have a end that doesn’t require the help of others so what does Kant call this maxim

Answer 6

An imperfect duty