Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals

by Kant, Immanuel; Hill, Thomas E.; Zweig, Arnulf

• ISBN13: 9780198751809
• ISBN10: 019875180X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-04-03
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

In this classic text, Kant sets out to articulate and defend the Categorical Imperative - the fundamental principle that underlies moral reasoning - and to lay the foundation for a comprehensive account of justice and human virtues. This new edition and translation of Kant's work is designed especially for students. An extensive and comprehensive introduction explains the central concepts of Groundwork and looks at Kant's main lines of argument. Detailed notes aim to clarify Kant's thoughts and to correct some common misunderstandings of his doctrines.

Author Biography

Thomas E. Hill Jr. is Kenan Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has also taught at the University of California at Los Angeles and has held visiting appointments at Stanford University and the University of Minnesota.
He has written widely on ethics and political philosophy. Books published previously include 'Human Welfare and Moral Worth' (2002), 'Respect, Pluralism and Justice: Kantian Perspectives' (2000) and 'Dignity and Practical Reason in Kant's Moral Theory' (1992). Arnulf Zweig currently teaches at Baruch College, City University of New York. He is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Oregon and has held visiting appointments at Harvard and M.I.T.

He is the editor and translator of Kant's correspondence and has published articles in the philosophy of law, ethics and the history of philosophy. Books published previously include 'Kant: Correspondence' (1999) and Kant: Philosophical Correspondence, 1759-1799 (1967, 1970).

Table of Contents

PART 1: INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL
How to Use this Book	3	(3)
Abbreviations for Kant's Works	6	(2)
A Sketch of Kant's Life	8	(11)
Editors' Introduction: Some Main Themes of the Groundwork	19	(90)
Background and Preface	19	(4)
Themes From Chapter One	23	(17)
Themes From Chapter Two	40	(53)
Themes From Chapter Three	93	(16)
Analysis of Arguments	109	(70)
Preface	109	(2)
Chapter One	111	(4)
Chapter Two	115	(15)
Chapter Three	130	(14)
Notes	144	(35)
Supplementary Reading	179	(10)
PART 2: THE TEXT GROUNDWORK FOR THE METAPHYSICS OF MORALS
Preface	189	(6)
Passage from the Common Rational Knowledge of Morality to the Philosophical	195	(13)
Transition from Popular Moral Philosophy to a Metaphysics of Morals	208	(38)
Final Step from a Metaphysics of Morals to a Critique of Pure Practical Reason	246	(37)
Editorial Notes on the Text	262	(21)
PART 3: REFERENCE MATERIAL
Bibliography of Works Cited	283	(5)
Index of Proper Names	288	(1)
Index of Topics	289