The Moral Argument

Question 1

How did Kant say that we could be moral?

Answer 1

By following the categorical imperative

Question 2

Outline Kant’s moral argument

Answer 2

1. Humans are autonomous beings
2. Moral action is about doing your duty
3. The reason for doing duty is to achieve the sum mum bonum
4. Through reason we can deduce the right thing to do
5. The summum bonum is not achievable in this life
6. It must be achievable in another life
7. The only being that could make the summum bonum achievable is God

Question 3

What are Kant’s three postulates of pure reason?

Answer 3

Free will, immortality of the soul and God

Question 4

Why is autonomy important to Kant?

Answer 4

If we were not autonomous then we could not make moral decisions to achieve the summum bonum

Question 5

What does the notion of ‘ought implies can’ mean?

Answer 5

We can only have a duty to do what we actually can do

Question 6

What did Freud say the ‘id’ was?

Answer 6

The part of the mind in which human instincts such as desire are based

Question 7

What did Freud say the ‘superego’ was?

Answer 7

A form of reasoning ability with which humans make decisions, shaped by the influences which have affected people during their development

Question 8

What did Freud say the ‘ego’ was?

Answer 8

The part of the mind which is shaped by ‘external influences such as life experiences like traumas

Question 9

What were Freud’s views on religion?

Answer 9

It is an ‘obsessional neurosis’ which merely provides a way for the id to be satisfied. It gives meaning to life and people put their faith in God because it fulfils their desires

Question 10

How does Freud’s ‘obsessional neurosis’ theory appear to refute Kant’s moral argument?

Answer 10

The summu bonum being achievable is a result of human desire but in no way makes it or God a reality

Question 11

How did Freud say that we developed our moral values?

Answer 11

They are the result of our experiences through upbringing and their interaction with the subconscious.

Question 12

How does Freud’s view on moral values challenge the moral argument?

Answer 12

If our moral values are the result of our subconscious upbringing then Kant’s view about God being a postulate of pure reason is no longer rational

Question 13

What did Kant say to prove we all have innate moral awareness?

Answer 13

“Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe… the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me”