In this essay, the philosophical positions of Immanuel Kant and David Hume will be discussed with regards to the relationship between reason and morality, and the role of sympathy in moral motivation and judgement will be assessed. Through their respective works, they both propose different positions and standpoints on the issue of morality. Hume’s position of morality comes from feelings, emotions and passions, whereas Kant believed that morality is based on reason and a duty that applies to a moral law (Thephilo, 2012). The standpoints of each philosopher will be discussed in detail and finally, the two different standpoints will be discussed together in conclusion of the essay.
In light of Humean moral psychology, “Reason is, and ought only …show more content…
Furthermore, they appear to share a view of human action according to which feelings, especially feelings of empathy or sympathy, are needed for motivating action. However, according to Hume, the view of human action is that passions, emotions and feelings take the leading role and reason the supporting one. Contrary to Hume’s beliefs, Kant adopts that human action featuring feelings such as respect for the law, moral feeling, and sympathy, come as an addition to moral law being grounded in reason where reason plays the dominant role in moral motivation.
Reference List:
Norton, D.F. and Norton, M.J., 2011. David Hume: A Treatise of Human Nature: Volume 1: Texts. [Originally published in 1739–1740.]
Critique of Practical Reason:
Kant, I. and Gregor, M.J., 1999. Practical philosophy. Cambridge University Press. [Originally published in 1788.]
Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals:
Kant, I. and Gregor, M.J., 1999. Practical philosophy. Cambridge University Press. [Originally published in 1785.]
The Metaphysics of Morals:
Kant, I. and Gregor, M.J., 1999. Practical philosophy. Cambridge University Press. [Originally published in 1797.]
Guyer, P., 2009. Knowledge, reason, and taste: Kant 's response to Hume. Princeton University Press.
Guyer, P., 2010. Moral feelings in the Metaphysics of Morals.
Thephilo. (20 May 2012). Kant vs Hume. Available from: http://www.the-philosophy.com/kant-vs-hume (Accessed 4 October
In light of Humean moral psychology, “Reason is, and ought only …show more content…
Furthermore, they appear to share a view of human action according to which feelings, especially feelings of empathy or sympathy, are needed for motivating action. However, according to Hume, the view of human action is that passions, emotions and feelings take the leading role and reason the supporting one. Contrary to Hume’s beliefs, Kant adopts that human action featuring feelings such as respect for the law, moral feeling, and sympathy, come as an addition to moral law being grounded in reason where reason plays the dominant role in moral motivation.
Reference List:
Norton, D.F. and Norton, M.J., 2011. David Hume: A Treatise of Human Nature: Volume 1: Texts. [Originally published in 1739–1740.]
Critique of Practical Reason:
Kant, I. and Gregor, M.J., 1999. Practical philosophy. Cambridge University Press. [Originally published in 1788.]
Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals:
Kant, I. and Gregor, M.J., 1999. Practical philosophy. Cambridge University Press. [Originally published in 1785.]
The Metaphysics of Morals:
Kant, I. and Gregor, M.J., 1999. Practical philosophy. Cambridge University Press. [Originally published in 1797.]
Guyer, P., 2009. Knowledge, reason, and taste: Kant 's response to Hume. Princeton University Press.
Guyer, P., 2010. Moral feelings in the Metaphysics of Morals.
Thephilo. (20 May 2012). Kant vs Hume. Available from: http://www.the-philosophy.com/kant-vs-hume (Accessed 4 October