Question

Which of the following ideas of Kant's does Nagel disagree with?

Option 1: The categorical imperative
Option 2: The distinction between moral and prudential reasons
Option 3: The idea that we have a duty to respect all human beings
Option 4: The idea that we are responsible for our actions

Answer 1

Thomas Nagel disagrees with Kant on the strict distinction between moral and prudential reasons, arguing that there can be overlap in moral decision-making.

Step-by-step explanation:

Philosopher Thomas Nagel disagrees with Immanuel Kant on Option 2: The distinction between moral and prudential reasons. While Kant established a clear dichotomy between moral imperatives (categorical) and practical, goal-oriented imperatives (hypothetical), Nagel criticizes this strict separation. He suggests that the lines between moral and prudential reasoning are not as clear-cut as Kant proposed.

Moreover, Nagel asserts that Kant's categorical imperative does not account for the complexity of moral decision-making, where sometimes prudential considerations can have moral weight. Hence, Nagel's disagreement with Kant is not solely about the notion of categorical imperative or our duties to respect human beings, but rather the rigid distinction between moral imperatives and prudential reasons that should sometimes be considered in moral judgments.