Groundwork of the Metaphysics of MoralsImmanuel Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals ranks alongside Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as one of the most profound and influential works in moral philosophy ever written. In Kant's own words its aim is to search for and establish the supreme principle of morality, the categorical imperative. Kant argues that every human being is an end in himself or herself, never to be used as a means by others, and that moral obligation is an expression of the human capacity for autonomy or self-government. This edition presents the acclaimed translation of the text by Mary Gregor, together with an introduction by Christine M. Korsgaard that examines and explains Kant's argument. |
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absolutely accordance action analytic argument autonomy become a universal belonging called Cambridge University Press categorical imperative causality cause cognition command concept condition conformity with duty constitution contradiction Critique of Judgment Critique of Pure determine dignity distinction edited empirical ethics example experience false promise feeling giving of universal giving universal law ground Groundwork happiness hence heteronomy hypothetical imperative idea of freedom Immanuel Kant incentive insofar intelligible world interest judgment Kant's kingdom of ends law of nature lawgiving matter maxim means merely Metaphysics of Morals moral cognition moral law moral philosophy moral worth namely necessary never objective laws objective principle ourselves perfect duties person possible practical law practical philosophy presupposed principle of morality pure practical reason pure reason purpose regard representation respect Section sensibility serve synthetic a priori synthetic propositions things thought tion translated unconditional University of Königsberg volition world of sense world of understanding