Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals
(Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten)
(1785)
by
Immanuel Kant, (1724-1804)
Translated by Thomas Kingsmill Abbott.

This work has been translated under a number of titles, including ‘Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals’; ‘Grounding for the Metaphysic of Morals’; and (in the Paton translation, which is still under copyright) as ‘The Moral Law’.

A concise statement of Kant’s moral thinking. Ethics should be detached from thoughts about consequences. Instead it should be based on a priori reasoning, using the Categorical Imperative.

I have added a TOC, restored italics, and hyperlinked notes.

Great. There you go again posting books that make me think.

Thanks. They are wonderful.

My what an eclectic and educated community we have here. I'm almost tempted to put up a poll to find out how many of us have any idea who Kant is. I'd probably be surprised that it was so many though. :nice:

Thanks, Patricia, I don't read this kind of theory, but my wife does, and she'll be amused. And a bit impatient when I turn it into another "ain't this Reader thing great?" moment. :laugh4:

Actually, I have to admit that I am a Philosophy lecturer, so it's my business to know a bit about the subject.

Yes, well it would be, wouldn't it. :grin:

My wife's an ABD (All But Dissertation, for those who don't know) English Prof, so you can see where she picked it up. Me? I've only had mild brushes with the theory stuff in getting my Marital B.S. in Victorian Literature. It allows me to (very occasionally) make original and intelligent comment about books I've never read. :laugh4:

Me? I've only had mild brushes with the theory stuff in getting my Marital B.S. in Victorian Literature. It allows me to (very occasionally) make original and intelligent comment about books I've never read. :laugh4:

Just read the Cliffs Notes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_notes). Saves all the hassle of having to read the books, and still allows you to sound as though you've had an education. It's an approach which works for millions who go through the American school system! :)

It's an approach which works for millions who go through the American school system! :crowngrin

Now Now Now.......Not all of us are that shallow:) Some of us DO have an education :D