Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals is the first of Immanuel Kant's mature works on moral philosophy and remains one of the most influential in the field. Kant conceives his investigation as a work of foundational ethics—one that clears the ground for future research by explaining the core concepts and principles of moral theory and showing that they are normative for rational agents.

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) stands as a central figure in modern philosophy. A native of Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia), his comprehensive and systematic works in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics have profoundly influenced all subsequent philosophy, particularly the various schools of Kantianism and idealism. Kant's major work, 'Critique of Pure Reason' (1781), seeks to establish the limits and scope of metaphysics using his famous doctrine of a priori synthetic knowledge. He is also renowned for his ethical treatise, 'Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals' (1785), which lays the foundation for his deontological ethical system, wherein duty and reason are central. Herein, he attempts to derive universal moral laws, introducing the categorical imperative as a principle of evaluating the moral worth of actions. His ideas of moral autonomy and his insistence that morality springs from human reason situated Kant as a significant influencer in the shaping of modern ethical thought. His works, such as 'Critique of Practical Reason' (1788) and 'Critique of Judgement' (1790), further imprint his indelible mark on philosophical understandings of human freedom, morality, and aesthetics. Kant's impact transcends his age, perpetuating a legacy that continues to challenge and inspire both the academic circles and broader discourses in ethics and rationality.