Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals (Kant - Dover PB)

Author: Immanuel Kant

ISBN: 9780486443096

Binding: paperback

Section: Philosophy/Rhetoric/Logic

In this landmark work, the German philosopher asks what sort of maxim might function as a guide to appropriate action under a given set of circumstances. By universalizing such a maxim, would morally permissible behavior not become clear? Suppose that everyone were to behave in accordance with this maxim. If everyone followed the maxim in the same way without harm to civilized culture, then the behavior would be morally permissible. But what if no one followed the maxim? Would civilization thereby be at risk? In such a case, the behavior would be morally obligatory.