Christine Korsgaard argues that Kant's moral philosophy, far from being a rigid adherence to duty, provides resources for understanding personal relations, politics, and everyday interactions, as well as the metaphysics of morals. She reinterprets Kant's ethics to show its relevance to contemporary problems, rejecting the view that it sacrifices love and value for duty. The book offers an exposition of Kant's moral philosophy, serving as a commentary on *The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals*.
This collection of essays focuses on two key aspects of Kant's thought: his theory of value and his doctrine of the "two standpoints." By clarifying these concepts, Korsgaard contends, many traditional difficulties and puzzles surrounding Kant's ethics can be resolved, revealing its practical applicability and enduring significance.
Key concepts
- Kant's theory of value — A key element of Kant's moral philosophy that Korsgaard reinterprets.
- The "two standpoints" — A widely misunderstood Kantian doctrine that Korsgaard explains to address problems in his ethics.
- The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals — A central text for Korsgaard's exposition and interpretation of Kant's moral philosophy.