Dever e felicidade em Kant

Abstract

This work analyzes the relationship between duty and happiness in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, focusing on deontological ethics and the autonomy of the will. Kant breaks with the philosophical tradition that linked morality and happiness, maintaining that morality is based on respect for the moral law, and not on the search for personal satisfaction. Duty, guided by the categorical imperative, requires universalizable actions that respect human dignity. Although happiness is not the foundation of morality, Kant recognizes it as part of the supreme good, defined by the harmony between virtue and happiness. This perspective addresses the tensions between universal ethical principles and the practical demands of human life. The study uses Kant's main works, such as the Foundation of the Metaphysics of Morals, the Metaphysics of Morals and the Critique of Practical Reason, to explore the impact of Kantian ethics on contemporary moral philosophy. Based on this analysis, the work also highlights the role of practical reason as a mediator between the sensitive and intelligible world, where the search for happiness, although legitimate, must be subordinated to moral principles. Kant argues that although human inclinations often conflict with duty, true freedom lies in the ability to act inaccordance with the moral law, regardless of personal desires or interests.