To act morally is to act in accordance with rational principles that can be universalized from "summary" of Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant
When we consider moral actions, we must think about them in terms of rational principles that are not only personal but also capable of being applied universally. This means that moral actions are not based solely on individual desires or inclinations, but are grounded in reason and can be extended to all rational beings. In other words, acting morally involves following principles that can be consistently applied to everyone in similar situations. For Kant, moral principles are not arbitrary or contingent but are rational imperatives that are binding on all rational agents. These principles are not dependent on subjective preferences or emotions, but are based on the inherent value of rational beings and their capacity for autonomy. Therefore, to act morally is to recognize and respect the rational dignity of oneself and others, and to act in a way that upholds this dignity. By universalizing moral principles, we ensure that our act...
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