Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Identifying and corroborating the supreme principle of morality
by Immanuel Kant
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About This Book

Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785) lays the foundation for understanding morality as grounded in reason rather than experience, seeking principles that hold for all rational beings. It argues that moral worth arises from acting out of duty guided by reason alone, rather than from inclination or consequence. Through this inquiry, it aims to reveal the supreme principle of morality – the moral law expressed through the categorical imperative.

Who Should Read This?

  • Students of ethics and philosophy
  • Readers of classic Enlightenment thinking
  • Anyone interested in developing a rational morality

About the Author

Immanuel Kant was an eighteenth-century German philosopher widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Western philosophy. His work bridged rationalism and empiricism, laying the groundwork for critical philosophy through his exploration of ethics, reason, and metaphysics. Among his most renowned works are Critique of Pure Reason, Critique of Practical Reason, and Critique of Judgment, which collectively shaped the course of moral and epistemological thought.