WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ACT MORALLY?

Abstract

The paper discusses the symbiotic relationship between morality and virtues in light of the two esteemed philosophers David Hume and Immanuel Kant, of the modern age. The paper discusses each of the philosophers' views and tends to analyse their views and findings in light of the author's own position on the subject as well the views of other philosophers.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Discussion4

Morality and virtues: A mutual relationship4

According to Hume4

According to Kant6

Evaluation8

The author's position9

Conclusion9

References10

What does it mean to act morally?

Introduction

The expression morality can be used in either a descriptive sense or a normative sense.

The descriptive sense of morality refers to a code of conduct that is put forward by a group such as religion or cults or by the particular society and accepted by the person to guide and direct his or her own behavior and attitude. Whereas, the normative sense of morality refers to a doctrine or system of conduct that should be acknowledged or upheld by rational individuals under a set of specific conditions.

Morality is a fairly ambiguous term. It may be the case that the two essential formal features, which are in attendance in all when morality is used in its descriptive sense, may or may not be present when morality is referred to in its normative sense. The prevalent common features between both the descriptive a normative sense is that they both act as behavioral guidelines and system of conducts for the individuals.

This descriptive use of morality is supported quite by the philosophical views of David Hume whereas Immanuel Kant utilizes a normative definition of morality; with, the writer stemming towards Kant's stance.

Discussion

Morality and virtues: A mutual relationship

According to Hume

In the Treatise of Human Nature, Hume states that we do not have a natural sense of every form of virtue instead there are quite a few virtues that generate delight and approval relative to the conditions and requirement of mankind.

He divided the virtue into two categories that is natural and artificial. In the natural category are the virtues for which our approval is not guided by any religious or cultural doctrines or social institution rules. Whereas, the artificial system of virtues contains the virtues are dependent on character qualities and the ethical credibility on the back of regulations for the common good for their existence

The traits called natural virtues are more cultured and consummate pictures of human feeling we could expect to find even in people who belonged to no society but cooperated within small groups, only.

According to Hume, sentiment determines morality and whatever mental action of thought or feature gives an approving pleasing feeling is a virtue... acts are usually judged as a vicious or virtuous act based on the evaluation of qualities that we consider to be responsible in motivating them. In turn, it forms the platform for us to base our approval or disapproval on.

Artificial virtues are dependent on rule follow (Treatise, 1978). Their social functionality might not be obvious in reply to the demands of expansive ...