At first this may seem like a very simple question with a simple answer, but is it really?
When you stop to think about this question, it becomes a little more involved. The answer depends on whether you are judging only the action itself or the moral intentions behind the action.
According to Kant, the true test of whether an action is right or wrong lies not in the action itself, but in the principles behind the action.
This is also what we should be concerned with when it comes to our actions. We can do the right thing, but if we does it for the wrong reason or with evil intentions, are we really following our code of honour?
I don’t think so.
The intentions or the “inner principles” behind our actions are very important. This is why many times it is impossible for someone else to truly judge another’s actions as right or wrong.
Only we knows if our intentions are just and honourable, and even if they are, we still has to make sure that our actions are right.
You can have honourable intentions and still make the wrong choice as far as your actions go.
For example, you could want to help the poor, but robbing a bank would be the wrong way to accomplish this goal.
On the other hand, you can do what others may perceive as the right thing, but have less than honourable intentions, which can spoil the true integrity of your actions.
Both your intentions and your actions have to be right.
Think about this.
