Huckleberry Finn and the Motive of Duty Thesis

Abstract

In this paper, I outline the reasons for which I believe that the Huck Finn case does not present an issue for the Motive of Duty Thesis (MDT). The Motive of Duty Thesis was first introduced by Immanuel Kant in The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, who maintains that an act only has “genuine moral worth” when it is performed “without any inclination, simply from duty.” [398] I suggest here that Huck’s actions are not at odds with Kant’s view respecting acting from duty, and stem from an implicit commitment to the principle of humanity. When the integral connection between these concepts is spelled out, it is clear that Huck acts from duty when he rescues Jim from servitude to Mrs.Watson. Thus, his actions have moral worth.