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.
• Full paragraph-by-paragraph commentary on Kant’s text • Includes introduction and useful synopsis • Includes short appendices on key topics of the ‘Groundwork’
Contents
Preface: Section I: Transition from common to philosophic moral cognition of reason; Section II: Transition from popular moral philosophy to the metaphysics of morals; Section III: Transition from the metaphysics of morals to the critique of pure practical reason; Appendix A: Schiller's scruples of conscience; Appendix B: The pervasiveness of morality; Appendix C: Universal legislation, ends and puzzle maxims; Appendix D: 'Indirect duty': Kantian consequentialism; Appendix E: Freedom and moral failure: Reinhold and Sidgwick; Appendix F: The project of a 'metaphysics of morals'.
Reviews
'… an indispensable resource for anyone wishing to study Kant's ethical theory in detail. Timmermann's book is an important resource for almost any student or faculty member who wants a deeper understanding of Kant's Groundwork for either teaching or research.' Sean P. Walsh, Notre Dame Philosophical Review
‘Timmermann’s commentary is nothing less the magisterial. This is without a doubt the best book available on one of the most important books on the history of philosophy.’ Political Studies Review
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