At the beginning of Groundwork I, Kant writes: “It is impossible to think of anything at all in the world, or indeed even beyond it, that could be considered good without limitation except a good will” (4:393). He further claims that the concept of duty “contains that of a good will though under certain subjective limitations and hindrances, which…bring it out by contrast and make it shine forth all the more brightly” (4:397). Present Kant’s two examples of the shopkeeper and the person who has lost the taste for life (4:398). Explain how the two cases differ and help us see what it means to act “from duty” rather than merely “in conformity with duty.” Discuss how these examples are supposed to elucidate the concept of a “good will” and consider a problem for Kant’s picture.
