Kantian Ethics Almost without Apology Marcia W. Baron.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Baron, Marcia.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Kant, Immanuel, 1724-1804--Ethics.

Kant, Immanuel.

Ethics.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Edition:

1. paperback print.

Manufacture:

Baltimore, Md. : Project MUSE, 2021

Place of Publication:

Ithaca : Cornell University Press, 1999.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

A reappraisal on the emphasis on duty in Immanuel Kant's ethics is long overdue. Marcia W. Baron evaluates and for the most part defends Kantian ethics against two frequent criticisms: that duty plays too large a role, leaving no room for the supererogatory; and that Kant places too much value on acting from duty.The author first argues that Kant's distinction between perfect and imperfect duties provides a plausible and intriguing alternative to contemporary approaches to charity, self-sacrifice, heroism, and saintliness. She probes the differences between the supererogationist and the Kantian, exploring the motivation between the former's position and bringing to light sharply divided views on the nature of moral constraint and excellence. Baron then confronts problems associated with Kant's account of moral motivation, she argues that the value that Kant attaches to acting from duty attaches primarily to governing ones conduct by a commitment to doing what morality asks. Thus understood, Kant's ethics steers clear of the most serious criticism. Of special interest is her discussion of overdetermination.Clearly written and cogently argued, Kantian Ethics Almost without Apology takes on the most philosophically intriguing challenges to Kantian ethics and subjects them to a rigorous yet sympathetic assessment. Readers will find here original contributions to the debate over impartial morality.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations, Sources, and Translations

Introduction

PART I

1. Kantian Ethics and the Supererogatory

2. Minimal Morality, Moral Excellence, and the Supererogatory

Interlude

3. Latitude in Kant's Imperfect Duties

PART II

Introduction to Part II

4. Is Acting from Duty Morally Repugnant?

5. Kant on Acting from Duty

6. Sympathy and Coldness in Kant's Ethics

Conclusion

Selected Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9780801428296

0801428297

9781501720895

1501720899

OCLC:

1083627990