Immanuel Kant — Doing the Right Thing

Article for Intermediate ESL Adults

Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who lived in the 1700s. He is best known for his ideas about ethics, duty, and moral responsibility. Kant believed that being a good person is not about feelings or personal happiness. Instead, it is about doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

Kant believed that humans are rational beings. This means we can think carefully and make decisions using reason. Because of this ability, he believed people are responsible for their actions. For Kant, morality comes from reason, not from emotions or social pressure.

One of Kant’s most famous ideas is the “categorical imperative.” This is a rule for deciding whether an action is moral. Kant said that before doing something, we should ask: “What if everyone did this?” If an action would cause problems when everyone does it, then it is not morally right. For example, if everyone lied, trust would disappear. Therefore, Kant believed lying is always wrong.

Kant also believed that people should never be used only as a means to an end. In simple terms, this means we should not use people just to get what we want. Every person has dignity and value. According to Kant, respecting others is one of the most important moral duties.

Unlike some philosophers, Kant did not believe that good results make an action moral. For him, the intention behind the action matters more than the outcome. If someone does the right thing for the wrong reason, Kant believed the action is not truly moral.

Immanuel Kant’s ideas influenced philosophy, law, and human rights. Even today, his ideas help people think about fairness, responsibility, and respect. Kant reminds us that ethics is not always easy, but doing our duty and respecting others are key parts of living a moral life.