Kant on Moral Autonomy

This book explores the central importance Kant's concept of autonomy for contemporary moral thought and modern philosophy.

Oliver Sensen (Edited by)

9781107492035, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 February 2015

314 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.46 kg

'This rich collection of essays, many inspired by or referencing the work of Onora O'Neill, offers various perspectives on autonomy in Kant with some effort to draw relations to other issues in moral theory.' Frederick Rauscher, Journal of the History of Philosophy

The concept of autonomy is one of Kant's central legacies for contemporary moral thought. We often invoke autonomy as both a moral ideal and a human right, especially a right to determine oneself independently of foreign determinants; indeed, to violate a person's autonomy is considered to be a serious moral offence. Yet while contemporary philosophy claims Kant as the originator of its notion of autonomy, Kant's own conception of the term seems to differ in important respects from our present-day interpretation. Kant on Moral Autonomy brings together a distinguished group of scholars who explore the following questions: what is Kant's conception of autonomy? What is its history and its influence on contemporary conceptions? And what is its moral significance? Their essays will be of interest both to scholars and students working on Kantian moral philosophy and to anyone interested in the subject of autonomy.

Introduction Oliver Sensen
Part I. Kant's Conception of Autonomy: 1. Kantian autonomy and contemporary ideas of autonomy Thomas E. Hill, Jr
2. Kant's conception of autonomy of the will Andrews Reath
3. Vindicating autonomy Karl Ameriks
4. Progress toward autonomy Paul Guyer
Part II. The History and Influence of Kant's Conception of Autonomy: 5. Transcending nature, unifying reason: on Kant's debt to Rousseau Richard Velkley
6. Kant and the 'paradox' of autonomy Susan Meld Shell
7. Autonomy in Kant and German Idealism Henry E. Allison
8. Autonomy after Kant J. B. Schneewind
9. Personal autonomy and public authority Katrin Flikschuh
Part III. The Relevance of Kant's Conception for Contemporary Moral Philosophy: 10. Moralized nature, naturalized autonomy Heiner F. Klemme
11. Autonomy and moral regard for ends Jens Timmermann
12. 'A free will and a will under moral laws are the same' Dieter Schönecker
13. Morality and autonomy Philip Stratton-Lake
14. The moral importance of autonomy Oliver Sensen
Postscript Onora O'Neill.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD], Philosophy [HP]