The Comparative Study of the Ethical Theory of Kant and Hegel

Kant and Hegel are philosophers and theorists in ethics. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this study aims at comparing Kant’s and Hegel’s ethical theory and discovering the commonalities and differences of these two theories. The findings of the study show that Kant puts the ethics as the goal in itself instead of the ethics as a means to reach the goal, believing that ethical precepts should be carried out because of the duty and motivation to do the duty, not as a means. According to Kant’s general law, only good will is unconditionally good, and all other things become good when they are accompanied by good will. By combining the idea of law and the idea of the end in itself, Kant proposes the idea of autonomy and enters the sphere of ‘freedom’ from that point. Hegel also relies on freedom more than anything else, but unlike Kant, he seeks to make morality particular and insert it in the man’s individual and social spheres. Furthermore, he reconciles morality and action based on inner nature and desires. According to Hegel, individual satisfaction, freedom, and morality can be gathered together when we follow the beliefs and social values of an organized society. Unlike Kant, in Hegel’s moral theory, firstly, the conflict between satisfying natural desires and doing one’s duty is resolved; secondly, unity is established between individual and collective interests; thirdly, the individual’s particular moral duties and obligations are also clarified.