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Overview

Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals was written by Immanuel Kant and published in 1785. In it, he introduces many of the arguments that he would present more fully in his Critique of Practical Reason in 1788. “Metaphysics” is a field of philosopy focused on the study of pure concepts as they relate to moral or physical experience. Kant’s goal for Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals was to develop a clearer understanding of moral principles, so that people may better avert distractions.

Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals represents a characteristic quality of Enlightenment era thinking: an immense confidence in “reason”—that is, in humanity's ability to solve problems through logical analysis. Kant’s philosophical goal was to use logical analysis to understand reason itself. Before we go about analyzing our world, Kant argued, we must understand the mental tools we will be using.

Read the overall summary, and the overall analysis of Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. Or, learn more by studying SparkNotes guides to other works by Immanuel Kant.

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