Understanding Kant's Groundwork

Immanuel Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals is widely regarded as one of the most influential works in the history of moral philosophy. Indeed, any student of ethics will soon encounter a translation of the book, although trying to read it is likely to cause bewilderment. What, one may ask, is Kant trying to say? This book provides the answers. Here, seven highly regarded teachers and scholars of Kant's ethics offer remarkably clear explanations of the most important concepts in the Groundwork: the good will, happiness, duty, hypothetical and categorical imperatives, the Formula of Universal Law, the Formula of Humanity, and freedom.Contents: Preface The Good Will, Nataliya Palatnik Happiness, Anne Margaret Baxley Duty, Laura Papish Imperatives, Tamar Schapiro The Formula of Universal Law, Kyla Ebels-Duggan The Formula of Humanity, Japa Pallikkathayil Freedom, Lucy Allais About the Contributors Index.

"This is the rare guide to Kant's Groundwork suitable even for students new to philosophy. The clear, concise chapters focus on only the most essential concepts from all three sections of the Groundwork. The authors expertly illuminate Kant's ethical thought and facilitate engagement with the text." -- Lara Denis, Agnes Scott College, "A collection of beautifully clear and concise essays on Kant's most famous ethical work, each written by an outstanding scholar. The crucial ideas of the Groundwork are expertly explained in ways that are both philosophically rich and reader friendly. This volume is an invaluable companion for any student or teacher of Kantian ethics." -- Karen Stohr, Georgetown University, "A wonderfully clear and concise philosophical introduction to Kant's seminal ethical treatise." -- Jens Timmermann, University of St Andrews

Steven M Cahn is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the City University of New York Graduate Center. Nataliya Palatnik is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. Anne Margaret Baxley is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Washington University in St. Louis. Laura Papish is Associate Professor of Philosophy at George Washington University. Tamar Schapiro is Professor of Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kyla Ebels-Duggan is Professor of Philosophy at Northwestern University. Japa Pallikkathayil is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. Lucy Allais is Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University and the University of the Witwatersr and, Johannesburg.