. . . as to moral feeling, this supposed special sense…
“. . . as to moral feeling, this supposed special sense, the appeal to it is indeed superficial when those who cannot think believe that feeling will help them out, even in what concerns general laws: and besides, feelings which naturally differ infinitely in degree cannot furnish a uniform standard of good and evil, nor has any one a right to form judgments for others by his own feelings. . . .”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Kant argues that moral feelings are unreliable as universal standards because they vary infinitely among individuals.
In simple terms: Feelings cannot define universal morality.
Key Takeaway
Reason, not feeling, should guide moral judgments.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
reason
subjectivity
universalism
Mood
analytical
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical excerpt
critical essay
When to use this quote
- ethical debate
- philosophy lecture
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
moral feeling
judgment
Practical Applications
- moral education
- critical thinking workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- What distinguishes moral reason from moral feeling?
- Can any feeling ever be a reliable moral guide?