Kant's Search for the Supreme Principle of Morality

Kant's Search for the Supreme Principle of Morality, 9780521810890 (0521810892), Cambridge University Press, 2002

'... the author joins the discussion of the grounds for a moral theory that has preoccupied philosophers for some time, and advances that discussion significantly further. This is a book that will be required reading for those interested in that topic of Kant's moral theory.' Roger Sullivan, author of Immanuel Kant's Moral Theory and An Introduction to Kant's Ethics

At the core of Kant’s ethics lies the claim that if there is a supreme principle of morality, then it is not a utilitarian or Aristotelian perfectionist principle, or even a principle resembling the Ten Commandments. The only viable candidate for the supreme principle of morality is the Categorical Imperative.

This book is the most detailed investigation of this claim. It constructs a new, criterial reading of Kant’s derivation of one version of the Categorical Imperative: the Formula of Universal Law. This reading shows this derivation to be far more compelling than contemporary philosophers tend to believe. It also reveals a novel approach to deriving another version of the Categorical Imperative, the Formula of Humanity, a principle widely considered to be the most attractive Kantian candidate for the supreme principle of morality.

Lucidly written and dealing with a foundational topic in the history of ethics, this book will be important not just for Kant scholars but for a broad swath of students of philosophy.

Samuel J. Kerstein is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Comments

Amazing Books

The Rough Guide to Montenegro 1 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

Rough Guides, 2009

The Rough Guide to Montenegro is the definitive travel guide to this emerging Mediterranean destination with clear maps and detailed coverage of all Montenegro’s best attractions. Discover Montenegro’s breath-taking highlights with stunning photography and detailed coverage of what to see and do in Montenegro from the mountainous...

CSS3 For Dummies

For Dummies, 2013

Get the most out of the new features in CSS3

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS3) boasts many new features that designers love. Things like better mobility, cleaner code, less maintenance, and basic interactivity without JavaScript are just a few. Get thoroughly up to speed on CSS3 with CSS3 For Dummies. Whether you're a web...

Biomedical Information Technology (Biomedical Engineering)

Academic Press, 2007

The enormous growth in the field of biotechnology necessitates the utilization of information technology for the management, flow and organization of data. The field continues to evolve with the development of new applications to fit the needs of the biomedicine. From molecular imaging to healthcare knowledge management, the storage, access and...

Think!: Before It's Too Late

Random House, 2010

The world is full of problems and conflicts. So why can we not solve them? According to Edward de Bono, current thinking cannot solve world problems because current thinking is itself the problem. And this is getting worse: we are so accustomed to readily available information online that we search immediately for the answers...

MCTS Windows Vista Client Configuration Passport (Exam 70-620)

McGraw-Hill, 2007

From the #1 Name in Professional Certification

Get on the fast track to becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist with this affordable, portable study tool. Inside, Microsoft Certified Trainer Brian Culp will guide you on your career path, providing expert tips and sound advice along the way. With an...

Handbook of Meat Processing

John Wiley & Sons, 2010

This handbook comprehensively presents the current status of the manufacturing of the most important meat products. Editor and renowned meat expert Fidel Toldrá heads an international collection of meat scientists who have contributed to this essential reference book.

Coverage is divided into three parts. Part one,...