Kant's "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals": A Commentary
0
0
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Author Description
The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals is Kant's central contribution to moral philosophy, and has inspired controversy ever since it was first published in 1785. Kant champions the insights of 'common human understanding' against what he sees as the dangerous perversions of ethical theory. Morality is revealed to be a matter of human autonomy: Kant locates the source of the 'categorical imperative' within each and every human will. However, he also portrays everyday morality in a way that many readers find difficult to accept. The Groundwork is a short book, but its argument is dense, intricate and at times treacherous. This commentary explains Kant's arguments paragraph by paragraph, and also contains an introduction, a synopsis of the argument, six short interpretative essays on key topics of the Groundwork, and a glossary of key terms. It will be an indispensable tool for anyone wishing to study the Groundwork in detail.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This commentary provides a detailed examination of Immanuel Kant's seminal work, the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Jens Timmermann, an expert in Kantian philosophy, offers a paragraph-by-paragraph analysis of Kant's complex arguments, aiming to clarify the dense and intricate reasoning within the original text. The commentary addresses Kant's central thesis on human autonomy and the categorical imperative, while also exploring the controversial aspects of his ethical framework that have sparked debate since its publication in 1785.
THE SCOPE MAP
- What You Will Find:
- A paragraph-by-paragraph explanation of Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
- An introduction to Kant's ethical philosophy and the context of the Groundwork.
- A synopsis outlining the core arguments and structure of Kant's work.
- Six interpretative essays focusing on key themes and concepts within the Groundwork.
- A glossary of essential philosophical terms used by Kant.
- Analysis of Kant's concept of human autonomy and the categorical imperative.
- Discussion of the historical reception and ongoing controversies surrounding the Groundwork.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
This commentary is designed as an indispensable tool for students and scholars engaging deeply with Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Its comprehensive structure, including detailed analysis, interpretative essays, and a glossary, aims to demystify Kant's challenging text. The work is positioned to aid readers in understanding Kant's arguments regarding moral autonomy and the categorical imperative, as well as the points of contention that have persisted since the book's initial publication.
Page Count:
192
Publication Date:
2010-01-01
ISBN-10:
0521862825
Non-Fiction
Philosophy
Commentary
Ethics
Academic
Community Tags
Similar Books
