The “summum bonum” is an ancient Latin expression which was introduced by the Roman philosopher Cicero, meaning “the highest good.” The old proverb is often used when answering the question of what makes for a meaningful life. In Immanuel Kant’s Religion Within the Boundaries of Bare Reason, he reasserts this “highest good” and describes it as “happiness proportioned to virtue.” Kantian philosophy rationally endorses the “highest good” of humanity, which cannot be fully attained in this world. This is an eternal good found in a “supremely powerful moral ruler capable of uniting virtue and happiness,” namely, God. Kant argues that theoretical proof of God’s existence is not possible, but presents a logical argument for the belief in God. According to Kant, belief in God’s existence is a purely rational concept, exemplified in human’s rational nature, reasoned through a universally accessible moral code, and upheld in an innate desire for the “highest good.”
In Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, he lays out a foundational framework for the structure of human beings. He recognizes that humans are composed of both a rational and sensible nature. As rational beings, humans “bind themselves to a moral law that commands unconditionally” (5). However, as sensible beings, humans have …show more content…
He asserts how many of the moral values that human beings possess are naturally embedded in the very construction of their inner being. This “natural religion,” (85) is engraved on every human mind, therefore, all people can be convinced of it through their own rationality. Kant firmly contends that this natural morality is without intervention of scripture or tradition. Regardless, he does not reject the mere belief and faith in God’s existence, even though he does not attempt to factually prove it. Kant provides a way for faith in God; one “generated by human practical (moral) reason.”
In Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, he lays out a foundational framework for the structure of human beings. He recognizes that humans are composed of both a rational and sensible nature. As rational beings, humans “bind themselves to a moral law that commands unconditionally” (5). However, as sensible beings, humans have …show more content…
He asserts how many of the moral values that human beings possess are naturally embedded in the very construction of their inner being. This “natural religion,” (85) is engraved on every human mind, therefore, all people can be convinced of it through their own rationality. Kant firmly contends that this natural morality is without intervention of scripture or tradition. Regardless, he does not reject the mere belief and faith in God’s existence, even though he does not attempt to factually prove it. Kant provides a way for faith in God; one “generated by human practical (moral) reason.”