Where is the line between a moral
duty and other motives when you are a mother?
I am a part time waitress as well
as a full time wife and mom. My days are full of activities whether it is
swimming, play dates, bathes, naps, or lunch the list seems to never end. Even
though everyday is extremely busy, there is nothing I love more than being a
mother. In Chapter 11-4c Inclination, Wishes,
Act of Will, Immanuel Kant explains that when we will something, we issue ourselves a kind of internal command.
What that means is we personally make the decision to not break the law or rule
we have given ourselves. Being able to create that rule you want and stay true
to it is ultimately identified as an act of “supreme moral principle.” A supreme moral principle is the moral
motive that distinguishes the good will from the other motives.
Being a mother brings
me more joy than anything else this world has to offer, however after reading “The Universalist Immanuel Kant” I find
myself wondering if I do things that are more beneficial for me through
activities I provide for my son. Even though bath time and naptime are
necessary for my son, it’s also a time for me to have a moment to myself to
relax and have some down time. I never thought of the activities I schedule for
my son to be more favorable for me than him. In Chapter 11 Section 11-4c titled Inclinations, Wishes, Acts of Will,
Kant defines Inclinations as “Decisions
and actions based on impulse or desire as well as not products of practical
reason.” From Kant’s standpoint in Chapter
11, Section 11-5 Moral Duty he states, “Duty does not serve our desires and
preference but rather overpower them.”
The answer to my
question in my opinion is simple. The line between moral duty and motives as a
mother is my intentions. An inclination would be if I chose to put my son down
for a nap an hour earlier so I could watch my favorite show in peace. This act
is of self-interest for myself only. However if I choose to put him down for a
nap an hour earlier because he is sick and weary this act is purely for the
contentment of him. These are both examples of motives, one being a moral duty
and one being a self-interest motive. Moreover, when it comes to my everyday
life with my son, my intentions towards him are moral motives. I receive no
gratification or have an advantage when doing what is best for my son. My
intentions are morally praiseworthy. According to Kant, in Chapter 11 section 11-5 Moral Duty he states, “My duty can not be
based on what I want to do, what I like or don’t like, weather or not I care
about the people involved.”
I’m happy to know
that how I have been raising my son is a moral duty and always has been, even
before learning about the differences in motives in this section. Not until I
started this post and brainstorming on what question I wanted to work on, did I
realize that never once have I gloated for how well and exceptional I take care
of my son nor find myself doing things differently because it will be beneficial
for me. I will continue to care take of my son wholeheartedly not because it is
my job, not because it’s what is best for him, but because it is my moral duty
and I have a good will to do so.
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