Immanuel Kant’s moral philosophy emphasizes the importance of treating humanity as an end, rather than merely as a means to an end. He believes that the value of a goodwill lies not in what it accomplishes, but in its willingness to do what is right. Kant argues that goodwill is the only thing that can be considered good without any qualification. In evaluating the morality of killing others during World War I as depicted in the novel All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, we can use the philosophy of Kant to assess the actions of the characters, particularly Katczinksy.

Katczinksy is an experienced soldier and an essential character in the novel. He serves as a leadership figure and a father figure to Paul and the other soldiers. His ability to survive and provide food and supplies during hard times is a testament to his experience as a poor farmer. Katczinksy’s character represents many of the essential themes of the story, particularly the theme of comradeship. He is also known for his cool-headedness and shrewdness.

Kant’s philosophy highlights the importance of treating humanity as an end, not merely as a means to an end. The soldiers fighting in World War I were often treated as expendable resources by their commanders. The soldiers were sent to fight and die in battles, without much regard for their well-being or their families back home. In this context, Katczinksy’s actions demonstrate his commitment to treating humanity as an end, rather than a means to an end.

During his time as a soldier, Katczinksy has lost all his fun. This is indicative of the psychological toll that war takes on soldiers. Despite this, he continues to do what is necessary to keep himself and the other soldiers alive. His ability to smell what is coming, as mentioned by Detering, is evidence of his shrewdness and experience. This skill is vital in the context of war, where danger can come from any direction.

Kant also argues that goodwill is the only thing that can be considered good without any qualification. In the novel, Katczinksy’s actions reflect his goodwill. He has a deep sense of duty towards his fellow soldiers and goes to great lengths to ensure their survival. He is willing to risk his life to obtain food and supplies, even if it means going behind enemy lines. This is evident in his survival after spending two days behind enemy lines.

Kant’s philosophy also highlights the importance of treating animals with kindness. He argues that those cruel to animals become hard in their dealings with people. The soldiers in the novel are constantly exposed to violence and death, which can desensitize them to the suffering of others. However, Katczinksy continues to treat his fellow soldiers with kindness and compassion, even in the face of war’s atrocities. This is evident in his role as a father figure to Paul and the other soldiers.

In conclusion, the philosophy of Immanuel Kant can be used to evaluate the morality of killing others during World War I as depicted in the novel All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. The character of Katczinksy demonstrates a commitment to treating humanity as an end and reflects goodwill. His actions reflect his shrewdness and experience, and his role as a father figure highlights the theme of comradeship in the novel. Kant’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with kindness, whether human or animal. Through Katczinksy’s actions, we see the possibility of upholding these values even in the most challenging of circumstances.