Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals

Name: Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals
Author: Immanuel Kant

By Immanuel Kant

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Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

The work seeks a metaphysical foundation for morality by deriving duties from pure practical reason rather than from experience or inclination. It claims that a good will is the only unconditional good and that moral worth depends on acting from duty, not from desire. The argument advances the categorical imperative as the supreme principle, requiring that one’s maxims be capable of universal law and that rational beings be treated as ends in themselves. It contrasts autonomy of the will, which grounds genuine obligation, with heteronomy, and treats freedom as a necessary presupposition while outlining the limits and implications of practical reason for moral agency.

About the Author

Immanuel Kant

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a German philosopher who is a central figure in modern philosophy. His work laid the foundations for much of contemporary thought in metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. Kant is best known for his critical philosophy, particularly in "The Critique of Pure Reason," where he explores the relationship between human experience and knowledge. His moral philosophy, articulated in works like "Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals," emphasizes the importance of duty and the categorical imperative. Kant's ideas have significantly influenced various fields, including philosophy, political theory, and aesthetics, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Western thought.