Kantian Ethics
Allen Wood investigates Kant's conception of ethical theory, using it to develop a viable approach to the rights and moral duties of human beings. By remaining closer to Kant's own view of the aims of ethics, Wood's understanding of Kantian ethics differs from the received 'constructivist' interpretation, especially on such matters as the ground and function of ethical principles, the nature of ethical reasoning and autonomy as the ground of ethics. Wood does not hesitate to criticize and...
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Allen Wood examines Kant's views on ethics and how they may be used to develop a viable ethical theory.
Preface ixAbbreviations xvReason 1What Is Kantian Ethics? 1Human Nature 4Gender and Race 6Rationalism 12Norms of Reason 20Moral Worth 24Acting from Duty 25Good Will 31The Duty to Act from Duty 33Duty, Feeling, and Desire 34Kant's Aims in the First Section of the Groundwork 41Ethical Theory 43The "Intuitional" or "Scientific" Model 43Doubts about this Model 47The "Foundational" or "Philosophical" Model 54The First Principle - Moral Rules or Duties - Moral Judgment 60The Moral Law 66The Concept of a Categorical Imperative 67Kant's Systematic Presentation of the Supreme Principle of Morality 68Relations among the Formulas 79The "Universal Formula" 82Humanity 85What Is an End in Itself? 85Humanity Is an End in Itself 88The Dignity of Humanity 94The Personhood of Human Beings 95The Moral Status of Nonrational Animals 101Autonomy 106Tensions within the Idea of Autonomy 106Positive and Natural Law 108The Author and Legislator of the Moral Law 111The Nature of the Will 114How the Will Legislates to Itself 116Freedom 123Practical Freedom 124Acting for Reasons 127Autonomy and Freedom 129The Fact of Reason 134Noumenal Freedom 135How to Think about Freedom 138Virtue 142Actions and Agents 142Virtue as Strength 143Virtue and Temperament 146Virtue, Duty, and Continence 148Practical Judgment and Wisdom 152Ideals and Principles 154Duties 158Kant's Concept of Duty 158The System of Duties 161The Principle of Ethical Duties 166Duties to Oneself 170Duties of Love and Respect 175Conscience 182Conscience as Feeling 183The Inner Court 184Conscience, Guilt, and Punishment 187The Duty of Self-Knowledge 189Social Justice 193Taxing the Rich to Support the Poor 194General Injustice 198Fichte on Economic Justice 200Kantian Ethics and Economic Right 203Punishment 206What Is Retributivism? 208Kant's Best Justification of Punishment 213Punishment and Universal Law 216Is Retributivism Consistent with Kantian Ethics? 219Sex 224Sexual Desire 224The Subjection of Women 228The Meaning of the Figleaf 230Kant's Defense of Marriage 234Lies 240Intentionally False Declarations 240Kant and Constant 244Truthfulness as an Ethical Duty to Oneself 251The Inner Lie 255Consequences 259Kantian Ethics vs. "Consequentialism" 259Good versus Evil 269The Limits of Ethical Theory 271Notes 275Index 335
