Binderstärtlehre

Binderstärtlehre, also known as the doctrine of the binding of the will, is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the idea that the will is bound by certain moral or ethical principles. This doctrine suggests that individuals have a duty to act in accordance with these principles, regardless of their personal desires or inclinations. The binding of the will is often contrasted with the doctrine of the autonomy of the will, which holds that individuals have the freedom to act according to their own desires and inclinations.

The doctrine of the binding of the will has been influential in various philosophical traditions, including Kantian ethics and deontological ethics. Immanuel Kant, for example, argued that the will is bound by the categorical imperative, which requires individuals to act only according to maxims that could be universally applied. This means that individuals must act in a way that respects the dignity of all rational beings, regardless of their personal desires or inclinations.

The doctrine of the binding of the will has also been criticized by some philosophers, who argue that it places too much emphasis on moral principles and not enough on the individual's autonomy. Some critics argue that the binding of the will can lead to a rigid and inflexible moral framework, which may not always be appropriate or practical in real-world situations.

Overall, the doctrine of the binding of the will is a complex and controversial philosophical concept that has been influential in various philosophical traditions. While it emphasizes the importance of moral principles and the duty to act in accordance with them, it also raises important questions about the relationship between autonomy and morality.