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Kant on the Rationality of Morality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2019

Paul Guyer
Affiliation:
Brown University, Rhode Island

Summary

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.
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Online ISBN: 9781108529761
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 11 July 2019

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Kant on the Rationality of Morality
  • Paul Guyer, Brown University, Rhode Island
  • Online ISBN: 9781108529761
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Kant on the Rationality of Morality
  • Paul Guyer, Brown University, Rhode Island
  • Online ISBN: 9781108529761
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Kant on the Rationality of Morality
  • Paul Guyer, Brown University, Rhode Island
  • Online ISBN: 9781108529761
Available formats
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