TOWARDS PERPETUAL APATHY? KANT AND COMPASSION

ABSTRACT

This paper addresses feelings and, specifically, the place of compassion in Kantian practical philosophy. First, it will be determined whether compassion, besides not being a moral motive, can even be regarded as a kind of illness in Kant. Second, it will be established if there is any kind of compassion that is benign “moral health”. Third, it will be judged whether it is appropriate to postulate an apathetic society free of compassion as an asymptotic ideal. Fourth, and finally, it will be assessed whether and how compassion can be integrated into Kant’s ethical model.

Key words:
Kant; Compassion; Feelings; Ethics; Apathy.