Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of MoralsHow should human beings behave toward one another? How must we behave? One of the most influential thinkers of the Western civilization, a man who profoundly shaped the mind-set of the modern world, Immanuel Kant developed his Categorical Imperative as a philosophical proof of the Golden Rule, and in this 1873 essay, he elaborates upon and defends his understanding of the logical underpinnings of all human morality. Essential reading for anyone seeking an appreciation of modern philosophy, this is an intriguing and provocative work exploring the intersection of morality and reason. German metaphysician IMMANUEL KANT (1724-1804) served as a librarian of the Royal Library, a prestigious government position, and as a professor at Knigsberg University. His other works include Observations on the Feeling of the Beautiful and Sublime (1764), Critique of Pure Reason (1781), and Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785). |
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Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals Immanuel Kant,Thomas Kingsmill Abbott Limited preview - 2005 |
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absolutely according apodictic assume attain belonging called categorical imperative causality cause ciple command common conceive conception condition conform consequently constitutes contradiction contrary COSIMO desires determine dignity discern distinguished duty effect efficient cause empirical everything exis experience faculty feeling former give happiness Hence heteronomy human reason hypothetical imperatives idea of freedom interest judgment kingdom of ends latter law of nature legislation maxim metaphysic of morals moral law moral philosophy moral worth motive namely necessarily necessary never notion objective laws objective principle ourselves Perfect duties possible practical law practical philosophy practical principle precept presupposed principle of autonomy principle of morality principles of reason promise properly pure practical reason pure reason purpose rational knowledge rational nature regard respect rience satisfaction self-love sensible world serve simply speculative reason supposed supreme principle synthetic proposition tence thing tion tive unconditional universal law universal validity versal volition wholly world of sense world of understanding