Question

Immanuel Kant argues that between friendship and self-interest, he should choose friendship on "moral grounds." What moral grounds? The Categorical Imperative? How can that be since he suggests that "friendship is not universal." Is Kant inconsistent, or is there a deeper point to his remarks?

Answer 1

The Categorical Imperative by Kant sees moral as a duty which is inherently desirable. He indicates to choose friendship over self- interest because he sees it as a duty. Friendship comes under the duties of love and respect one has to others. Kant is not being inconsistent here when he says "friendship is not Universal" and that is exactly his point to make "friendship" as a duty under the categorical imperative differentiating it from self- interest. Friendship encompasses the duty of love and the essence to help others in need and sees love to be not as a feeling but rather a moral duty.