Intentionalism

This ethical theory states that the source of morality is found within the human personality in the human system; it’s basis starts from the individual’s motive and intent. The rightness or wrongness of an act is not determined by the act or the consequences, either of which is observable. Man’s motive or intention that prompts him to act in a certain way in doing an act is the primary basis in judging morality.

Immanuel Kant is regarded as the exponent of intentionalism — the doctrine in ethics that moral values and duties can be discerned directly. For Kant, “there is only one goal, the goal motive, the true objective of reason, and is evidently a product of goodwill which is good in itself.” He also stated that the will must be free, self-ruled, and self-governed. An act that stems from a will devoid of free and freedom is abnormal and amoral. It is the free-will, a power of wisdom which gives man his honor and dignity. Losing one’s personal free will is tantamount to losing one’s valuable personal human dignity.