Phi 110
Fall 2015
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Phi 110 F15
Reading guide for Thurs. 10/22: Kant, Grounding for the Meta. of Morals, sect. II (pp. 32-48; Akad. ed. pp. 424-445)

In this latter part of Kant’s second section, he elaborates two further “formulas” for the categorical imperative and introduces the important distinction between autonomy and heteronomy.

Kant’s second formulation of the categorical imperative is introduced and discussed on pp. 32-37 (Akad. pp. 424-430). He states it on p. 36 (Akad. p. 429) and then applies it to his four examples of duties (now using the terms ‘strict’ and ‘meritorious’ in place of ‘perfect’ and ‘imperfect’).

The formulation Kant seems to regard as his third concerns legislation for oneself or “autonomy” and is discussed on pp. 37-44 (Akad. p. 430-440). He announces its statement on p. 38 (Akad. p. 431) and fills out the idea of legislation by speaking of a “kingdom of ends” on pp. 39-40 (Akad. p. 433-4). Neither location provides an actual imperative formula, but you can find a related imperative on pp. 42-43 (Akad. p. 438).

In the remainder of his second section (pp. 37-44, Akad. p. 440-5), Kant uses the idea of autonomy that appeared in the third formulation to tie the distinction between true and false moral views to the distinction between autonomy and heteronomy (i.e., taking the law governing your actions from a source other than your reason).