y be corrupted if we fail to understand and estimate them correctly.Section 1 begins with the idea that "the only thing absolutely good is a good will"(11). According to Kant acts of courage and perseverance can be negative if a dubious idea is driving them. Kant uses "Duty" as an example of good will but provides three qualifications. For an action to have moral worth it must be done from duty. He is careful to distinguish "three forms of duty; "from duty", "conforming to duty" and "as duty requires" (15). A morally good action is not based on anything or done out of want for any object or inclination. It is performed simply because it is. For example, a man rescues a cat from a tree because he knows there is a reward offered. The man performs the act for a monetary purpose. An act driven by any possible reaction can not be based on "good will". Good will is "good in itself" (12).In Section II Kant provides an in-depth explanation of what a "categorical imperative" is. He first defines an imperative as a "command that is obligatory for a will" (30). In other words it is something we ought to do. He goes on to differentiate the two kinds of imperatives, hypothetical and imperative. An action based on a hypothetical imperative is done for the result while a categorical action is performed for itself. There are also three principles that make up the imperatives. The hypothetical imperative is made up of the "rules of human skills" and the "counsels of prudence" (34). Both principles are subjective because they are based on a purpose, be it a job or happiness. The "Law of Morality", or the laws that ought to govern human behavior, is the categorical imperative's only principle and according to Kant the only theorem that deserves an explanation. Though Kant uses Duty as an example the categorical imperative has no real example. The categorical imperative is carried out for it's own sake and any example would be tainted. K...
