Kant on the Rationality of Morality

Shows how Kant attempted to derive the fundamental principle and goal of morality from the general principles of reason.

Paul Guyer (Author)

9781108438810, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 July 2019

88 pages
23 x 15.3 x 0.6 cm, 0.19 kg

Kant claims that the fundamental principle of morality is given by pure reason itself. Many have interpreted Kant to derive this principle from a conception of pure practical reason (as opposed to merely prudential reasoning about the most effective means to empirically given ends). But Kant maintained that there is only one faculty of reason, although with both theoretical and practical applications. This Element shows how Kant attempted to derive the fundamental principle and goal of morality from the general principles of reason as such, defined by the principles of non-contradiction and sufficient reason and the ideal of systematicity.

1. Introduction
2. Reasons, reasoning, and reason as such
3. From non-contradiction to universalizability
4. The principle of sufficient reason and the idea of the highest good
5. Rationality and the system of duties
6. Reason as motivation
7. Kantian constructivism
8. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Western philosophy: Enlightenment [HPCD1]