„Der Mensch ist von Natur aus böse.“ (Human nature is evil) Stating this, Kant refers to a problem which has been from time immemorial a problem of Moral Philosophy. But what exactly does Kant mean, stating this? One interpretation could be that nature brings the evilness from the outside and makes a human evil, that it is the environment which is responsible for any human evilness. Another interpretation could be that men are evil by nature in a way that they are born evil and evilness is a human’s feature, why everybody is evil. Probably Kant did not either mean the one nor the other.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- In what sense or senses is Evil radical for Kant?
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the concept of radical evil as presented by Immanuel Kant. It aims to understand the nature of evil in human beings and how it relates to freedom, reason, and moral law.
- The nature of evil in human beings
- The relationship between evil and freedom
- The role of reason and moral law in the context of evil
- The distinction between acting good and having a good maxim
- The possibility of overcoming radical evil
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The essay begins by introducing the concept of "Hang zum Bösen" (propensity for evil) as a natural element of human nature. It argues that this propensity is not a biological or inherited trait but rather a consequence of human freedom. The essay then delves into the complexities of evil, distinguishing between acting good and having a good maxim. It explores the role of driving forces, immoral and moral motives, and the possibility of adopting evil maxims.
The text emphasizes the inherent evil in human nature, highlighting its radical nature as it impacts every aspect of human life. It posits that this evil is not simply a result of sensuality or reason but a consequence of the conscious choice of freedom. While the origin of evil remains indefinable, the essay emphasizes the importance of overcoming this inherent evil by reforming one's thinking and embracing a good maxim, ultimately achieving moral goodness.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts and terms explored in this essay are: radical evil, Hang zum Bösen (propensity for evil), freedom, reason, moral law, good maxim, moral goodness, and the nature of evil. The essay investigates the interplay of these concepts in understanding the human condition and the possibility of moral betterment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Immanuel Kant mean by "radical evil"?
Radical evil refers to an inherent propensity in human nature (Hang zum Bösen) that impacts every aspect of moral life, resulting from the conscious choice of freedom rather than biological traits.
Is human evilness caused by the environment according to Kant?
No, Kant argues that evil is not brought from the outside or environment, but is a consequence of human freedom and the adoption of maxims.
What is the difference between acting good and having a good maxim?
A person can act in accordance with moral law outwardly while still following an evil maxim inwardly. True moral goodness requires a reform of thinking and adopting good maxims.
Can radical evil be overcome?
Yes, the essay posits that through a revolution in the heart and a reformation of one's maxims, humans can achieve moral betterment.
How does freedom relate to evil in Kant's philosophy?
Evil is a consequence of the conscious choice of freedom; it is not simply a result of sensuality but of the free will choosing against the moral law.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Melissa Grönebaum (Autor:in), 2013, Kant’s radical evil. Religion within the boundary of pure reason, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/268385
