Rational autonomy is the basis for moral duty, not external authority from "summary" of Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant
In considering the concept of moral duty, it is essential to understand that it is not derived from any external authority or command. Rather, moral duty is rooted in rational autonomy, which is the ability of individuals to act according to their own principles and reasons. This notion is central to Kant's moral philosophy, as it places the responsibility for moral action squarely on the shoulders of the individual. According to Kant, rational autonomy is the basis for moral duty because it allows individuals to act in accordance with the universal moral law, which he argues is derived from reason itself. This means that moral duty is not dependent on any external source of authority, such as religious teachings or social conventions, but is instead a product of human reason. Kant believes that individuals have a duty to act in a way that is consistent with the moral law, regardless of any external pressures or influences. This is because moral duty is not contingent on the desires or preferences of others, but is instead a reflection of the inherent worth and dignity of rational beings. By grounding moral duty in rational autonomy, Kant is able to establish a universal and objective basis for ethics. This means that moral principles are not subjective or relative, but are instead based on the fundamental nature of human reason itself.- Kant's ethical system places a strong emphasis on the importance of individual autonomy and rationality in determining moral duty. By rejecting external authority as the basis for morality, Kant is able to establish a framework in which individuals are free to act according to their own principles and reasons, while still being held accountable for their actions.
