Transcendental moral philosophy from "summary" of Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals by Immanuel Kant
Transcendental moral philosophy aims to discover whether there is any moral principle that is a priori, or that is not based on experience, as is the case with other empirical sciences. It seeks to establish whether there is a basis for morality that is universally valid, regardless of cultural or personal differences.
Kant argues that the moral law must be based on reason alone, as opposed to emotions or desires. This law must be universal, applying to all rational beings, and necessary, meaning that it is not contingent on any particular circumstances. In this way, moral principles can be discovered through pure reason, without the need for empirical evidence.
According to Kant, the moral law is derived from the concept of duty. An action is morally good not because of its consequences, but because it is done out of a sense of duty. This duty is determined by rational principles that are binding on all rational beings. Thus, moral actions are those that are done out of a sense of duty, in accordance with these universal principles.
Kant distinguishes between hypothetical imperatives, which are conditional commands based on a desire for a particular end, and categorical imperatives, which are unconditional commands that apply to all rational beings. The moral law, according to Kant, is a categorical imperative that commands us to act in a certain way simply because it is our duty to do so.
In summary, transcendental moral philosophy seeks to establish a universal and necessary basis for morality that is grounded in reason alone. It argues that moral principles can be discovered through pure reason, and that moral actions are those done out of a sense of duty in accordance with these universal principles. By understanding and following the categorical imperative, we can act in a way that is morally good and universally valid.
