=Problem of Chapter.=--We have endeavored in the preceding chapters (1)
to identify the sort of situation in which the ideas of good and evil,
right and wrong, in their moral sense, are employed; (2) to set forth
the typical problems that arise in the analysis of this situation; and
(3) to name and describe briefly the types of theory which have
developed in the course of the history of the problems. We have now to
return to the moral situation as described, and enter upon an
independent analysis of it. We shall commence this analysis, as was
indicated in the last chapter, by considering the question of the
relation of attitude and consequences to each other in voluntary
activity,--not that this is the only way to approach the problem, but
that it is the way which brings out most clearly the points at issue
among types of moral theory which since the early part of the nineteenth
century have had the chief currency and influence. Accordingly the
discussion will be introduced by a statement of the two most extreme
doctrines that separate the "inner" and the "outer," the "psychical" and
the "overt" aspects of activity: _viz._, the Kantian, exclusively
emphasizing the "how," the spirit, and motive of conduct; the
Utilitarian, dwelling exclusively upon its "what," its effects and
consequences. Our positive problem is, of course, by means of arraying
these two extreme views against each other, to arrive at a statement of
the mutual relations of attitude and act, motive and consequence,
character and conduct.
We shall begin with Kant as a representative of the attitude theory.
§ 1. THE GOOD WILL OF KANT
Kant says:
"Nothing can possibly be conceived, in the world or out of it,
which can be called Good without qualification, except a Good
Will. Intelligence, wit, judgment, and the other talents of the
mind, however they may be named, or courage, resolution,
perseverance as qualities of temperament are individually good and
desirable in many respects; but these gifts of nature may also
become extremely bad and mischievous, if the will which is to make
use of them and which, therefore, constitutes what is called
character, is not good. It is the same with the gifts of fortune.
Power, riches, honor, even health ... inspire pride and often
presumption if there is not a Good Will to correct the influence
of these on the mind. Moderation of the affections and passions,
self-control and calm deliberation are not only good in many
respects, but even seem to constitute part of the intrinsic worth
of the person; but they are far from deserving to be called good
without qualification ... for without the principles of a good
will they may become extremely bad. The coolness of a villain
makes him both more dangerous and more abominable" (Kant: _Theory
of Ethics_, tr. by Abbott, pp. 9-10).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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