Trying to understand Immanuel Kant's every notion and standing regarding morals seems a daunting, if not impossible task. One may struggle with Kant's distinct and radical nature when speaking of a ?supreme principle of morality' that the world should follow, as only one with rational beings would do to achieve a "kingdom of ends" (Kant 39-40). The struggle with this idea may exist because there does not seem to be a single definition of what exactly the "supreme principle" constitutes. Rather, Kant presents it more as an idea that can only be fully taken advantage of if an application process is followed (Kant 5). This process follows the basic framework of his Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals book and is provided foundation by the concepts of autonomy, or self-decision, as well as freedom. It is a "principle" that relies on "maxim" and universality of reason and rational thought in the world. Once one understands how the above elements connect and intertwine in Kant's theory, they understand the application process much better. Whether understood fully or manipulated for better logic, at least some of Kant's moral views have stood the test of time. Looking at the works of a man like John Rawls can help one identify Kantian concepts, as they are applied to a more modernized viewpoint, as well as how some of these concepts are altered for a more logical role in later years.
The idea of a ?supreme principle of morality' would likely lead one to believe that society would have to do something "good", or proper, to achieve it. Along these lines, Kant points out that the only thing that is truly "good without qualification" is good will itself. (Kant 7). Kant appears to be saying here that "good will" is good no matter the outcome present, as t ...