This Element defends a reading of Kant's formulas of the moral law in Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. It disputes a long tradition concerning what the first formula (Universal Law/Law of Nature) attempts to do. The Element also expounds the Formulas of Humanity, Autonomy and the Realm of Ends, arguing that it is only the Formula of Humanity from which Kant derives general duties, and that it is only the third formula (Autonomy/Realm of Ends) that represents a complete and definitive statement of the moral principle as Kant derives it in the Groundwork. The Element also disputes the claim that the various formulas are 'equivalent', arguing that this claim is either false or else nonsensical because it is grounded on a false premise about what Kant thinks a moral principle is for.

This Element disputes a long tradition concerning what the first formula (Universal Law/Law of Nature) attempts to do.

About the Author
Allen Wood is the Ruth Norman Halls Professor of Philosophy at Indiana University, Bloomington. He is a series editor on Elements in the Philosophy of Immanuel Kant.


Book Information
ISBN 9781108413176
Author Allen Wood
Format Paperback
Page Count 86
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 150g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 153mm * 5mm