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An Outline of Kant's Foundations of Metaphysics of Morals

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An Outline of Kant's Foundations of Metaphysics of Morals
Preface

The foundation of the metaphysics of morals is a critical examination of a pure practical reason.

The present foundations is the search for and establishment of the supreme principle of morality.

Method: analytically from common knowledge to the determination of its supreme principle; then , synthetically from the examination of this principle and its sources back to common knowledge.

Division:
1. the common rational knowledge of morals -> the philosophical rational knowledge of morals
2. the popular moral philosophy -> the metaphysics of morals
3. the metaphysics of morals -> the critical examination of pure practical reason (its foundation)

.transition from the common rational knowledge of morals to the philosophical

（一）a good will: good without qualification

 gifts of nature: talents of mind: intelligence, wit, judgment qualities of temperament: courage, resoluteness, perseverance
If the will ( which is to make use of them) is not good, they can become bad.
 gifts of fortune: power, riches, honor, health, well-being, contentment(happiness)
A good will is needed to correct their influence on the mind.
Thus, the good will seems to constitute the indispensible condition of the worthiness to be happy.
 some qualities: moderation in emotions and passions, self-control, calm deliberation
They can become bad without the principle of good will. (eg: the coolness of villain)

A good will is not good because of the end, but only because of its willing, i.e., it is good of itself.
Even if the end cannot be achieved because of the unfortunate fate , only the good will had its full worth of itself.
Usefulness and fruitlessness can neither diminish or augment this worth. Its usefulness would be only its setting.
The absolute worth of the good will alone.

Reason’s proper function must be to produce a will which is good in itself but not good merely as a means. This will must be the highest good and the condition of all
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