Moral worth comes from duty, not outcomes from "summary" of THE CRITIQUE OF PRACTICAL REASON by Immanuel Kant
In moral philosophy, the question of what constitutes moral worth has long been a subject of debate. Some argue that the value of an action is determined by its consequences, while others maintain that moral worth comes from the intention behind the action. Immanuel Kant belongs to the latter camp, asserting that true moral worth stems not from the outcomes of an action, but from the sense of duty that motivates it. According to Kant, an action can only be considered morally praiseworthy if it is done out of a sense of duty. This means that the moral worth of an action is not contingent on the results it produces, but rather on the intention behind it. For Kant, duty is the foundation of morality, and actions that are performed out of a sense of duty are the only ones that have true moral worth. Kant argues that actions that are performed out of self-interest or with an eye towards achieving a certain outcome are not truly moral. This is because such actions are motivated by external factors rather than by a genuine sense of duty. In contrast, actions that are undertaken simply because they are the right thing to do, regardless of the consequences, are the ones that possess true moral worth. Kant's emphasis on duty as the source of moral worth is rooted in his belief in the inherent value of rational beings. For Kant, human beings possess a unique capacity for reason, which sets them apart from other animals. This capacity for reason gives human beings the ability to act according to moral principles, and it is this ability that forms the basis of true moral worth.- Kant's assertion that moral worth comes from duty, not outcomes, highlights the importance of intention in moral decision-making. According to Kant, actions that are performed out of a sense of duty are the only ones that possess true moral worth, as they are motivated by a genuine commitment to moral principles rather than by self-interest or a desire for a particular outcome.
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