Kant and Moral of the Story: Moral Duty Against the Individual Account and Obedience to the Self

ABSTRACT Kant’s moral theory provides, much like his metaphysical and epistemological theories, a rational way of abstracting the absolute while still recognizing the limits of this very human reason. In this, we see Kant’s reach and parameter- a comprehensive system towards absolute truth in as much as we can comprehend it, almost suggesting that all we can learn is what is necessary. He rejects moral dogmas and norms, much like metaphysical and epistemic claims, that are in themselves beyond this grasp. As such, his moral theory pans out similarly: moral truth as it is revealed through the process of the categorical imperative and our adherence to moral duty. However, his reach and parameter collapse into each other when takes into account the very idea that what is irrational genesis of inclination, context, and the same individual affecting these moral choices level may have more influence on, if not the conclusion, then the trajectory of rational thinking- analyzing specifically the conflict between himself and his absolute obedience to his adherence to moral duty as Kant suggests. This paper aims to critique Kant’s moral theory from the perspective of the individual, beginning with basic critiques of his theory among his contemporaries. A brief historical overview of the influence of his moral theories. The variances of their trajectories as a result of their unique social, political, cultural, and philosophical context, coalescing in a discussion on the individual’s moral reasoning as emblematic of this: the contextuality of his place within the world and the trajectory of his moral reasoning being not as Kantian as Kant himself would hope it to be.