In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ethics judges intentions while law judges actions.
- In plain terms
- You can be morally guilty for thinking bad things even if you do not do them.
- What can you take from it?
- Intentions matter in ethics even if actions do not happen.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is thinking about crime wrong?
- How do you judge yourself?
Another view
Law cannot punish thoughts without action.
More from Immanuel Kant
Immaturity is the incapacity to use one's intelligence without the guidance of another.
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