Behaving in accordance with duty is the essence of moral worth from "summary" of Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant
To act morally, one must act out of a sense of duty rather than mere inclination or desire. This duty stems from rational principles that dictate what one ought to do in a given situation. Such principles are universal and binding on all rational beings, regardless of personal preferences or circumstances. By following these principles, one acts in accordance with duty and thus exhibits moral worth. According to Kant, moral worth is not determined by the consequences of one's actions but by the motive behind those actions. Only actions performed out of a sense of duty have moral worth, as they are done for the sake of duty itself rather than any external factors. In contrast, actions done out of self-interest or inclination lack moral worth, as they are not motivated by a sense of duty. Furthermore, acting in accordance with duty involves obeying moral laws that are derived from reason and are universally applicable. These moral laws serve as guides for determining what one ought to do in various situations, regardless of personal desires or interests. By following these moral laws, one demonstrates respect for the rational nature of oneself and others, thereby upholding the inherent dignity of all rational beings.- Moral worth lies in behaving according to duty, which involves obeying universal moral laws out of a sense of duty rather than self-interest or inclination. By acting in this way, one demonstrates respect for the rational nature of oneself and others, thereby embodying the essence of moral worth.
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