The Concept of the Highest Good in Kant's Moral Theory

Abstract

Kant claims that the concept of the highest good, the ideaof happiness in proportion to virtue, is grounded in themoral law. But this claim has often been challenged. Howcan Kant justify including happiness in the highest good?Why should only the virtuous be worth of happiness? Thispaper argues that when the moral law is interpreted as thecriterion for valid application of the concept of the good,the concept of the highest good does indeed follow from themoral law. It also argues that the duty to promote thehighest good harmonizes with other duties.