Why read Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals?

Book cover of Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals

Book description

Now in a new, affordable edition with updated notes, a superbly readable translation of Kant's classic work

This work, one of the most important texts in the history of ethics, presents Immanuel Kant's conception of moral self-government based on pure reason. It has been a source of controversy and an…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Paul Guyer

Author

In the first two sections of Groundwork, Kant derives his great idea that humanity must always be treated as an end and never merely as a means from both common-sense and more abstract philosophy. These are the most inspirational pages in all of modern philosophy.

There are many translations of Kant’s book, but in the Cambridge University Press volume of Kant, Practical Philosophy (1996), one can also read Kant’s application of his basic idea to personal and political morality. He remains a valuable guide even in our troubled times.

From Paul's list on freedom in theory and practice.