Week 7- Post 2

     Freedom is often thought of as being able to do whatever one desires, but this is not Immanuel Kant's perception of freedom. Kant's perception of freedom derives from the concept of autonomy- to act according to a law given to oneself. However, when one chooses pleasure to avoid pain, they are not acting freely. They are just acting as the followers of those impulses. This is an example of heteronomy, acting according to desires not chosen for oneself. Things like hunger or appetite are not chosen, so when one chooses to satisfy it, they are just acting as a result of natural necessity. 

     Kant rejects utilitarianism (the greatest good for the greatest number). This is because it is wrong to use people for the sake of other peoples well being or happiness. What makes an action morally is not in the consequences or the results that flow from them, but from the motives and intention. One must do the right thing for the right reason even if it were to accomplish nothing.