The Metaphysical Elements of Ethics by Immanuel Kant
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"The Metaphysical Elements of Ethics" by Immanuel Kant is a philosophical treatise written in the late 18th century. This work falls under the category of ethical philosophy and delves into the intricate principles of moral duty and virtue. Through a systematic exploration, Kant seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for understanding ethical obligations that arise from pure reason, independent of subjective feelings or external conditions. In the text, Kant argues that genuine
moral action stem from the awareness of duty guided by rational principles, rather than mere emotional inclinations. He emphasizes the importance of the "categorical imperative," a central ethical tenet that dictates one must act according to maxims that can be universally applied. This principle elevates ethical considerations above the pursuit of happiness, urging individuals to cultivate their moral capacities while promoting the welfare of others. Kant distinguishes between duties of virtue—such as self-perfection and the well-being of others—and legal duties, framing ethics as a domain of self-constraint and rational will, emphasizing that moral freedom lies in the ability to act according to duty rather than inclination. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Kant, Immanuel, 1724-1804 |
|---|---|
| Translator | Abbott, Thomas Kingsmill, 1829-1913 |
| Title | The Metaphysical Elements of Ethics |
| Credits |
Etext produced by Matthew Stapleton. HTML file produced by David Widger |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 44.0 (College-level). Difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | B: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion |
| Subject | Ethics |
| Subject | Philosophy, German |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 5684 |
| ISBN (HTML) | 979-8-238-05684-5 |
| Release Date | May 1, 2004 |
| Last Update | Jan 27, 2021 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 2242 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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