PLEASURE AND MOTIVATION IN KANT´S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

In this article, I analyse the theory of motivation in Kant`practical philosophy. I begin by asking if there is motivation without a sensible incentive. I show that Kant offers different answers to this question in different works. In the Groundwork, the answer is positive, not only one can act morally without any senible incentive, but one should act without it. In the Doctrine of Virtue, however, Kant claims that there are some feelings which are subjective conditions of receptiveness of the concept of duty. I examine the sensible aspects of the feeling of respect and moral feeling, showing their relation to pleasure and displeasure. I also present the intellectualist affectionist debate among Kant scholars.