Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of MoralsThe nature and theoretical underpinnings of ethics have been an intellectual driving force animating the pursuits of great scholars. In The Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals (1785) Immanuel Kant, one of the most powerful philosophical minds of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, inquires into the true nature of morality. In rejecting the results or consequences of action as the foundation of moral judgments, he denies that good or bad effects have any relevance in the moral evaluation of human behavior. Instead, we must rely upon the Good Will for guidance. What is this Will upon which so much emphasis is placed, and how does it act as the foundation for behavior that can be assessed as truly moral? In this groundbreaking work, Kant outlines an ethical perspective that has been a vital force in the Western world. |
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able according action actually admit appearance apply assume attain autonomy become belonging called categorical imperative causality cause command common complete conceive conception condition conform consequently consider consists constitutes contains contradiction contrary depend desires determine distinguished doubt duty effect empirical example existence experience faculty feeling follows former freedom give grounds happiness Hence hold human idea inclination independent influence intelligible interest judgment kind kingdom of ends knowledge latter law of nature least legislation maxim means merely metaphysic of morals moral law motive namely necessarily necessary necessity never notion object obligation ourselves perfection person philosophy physical possible practical reason present principle priori promise properly proposition pure question rational regard remains requires respect rest rule sensible serve simply spring supposed thing tion understanding universal law validity volition wholly wish world of sense worth