Kant's Impure Ethics: From Rational Beings to Human Beings

by Robert B. Louden

Overview

This is the first book-length study in any language to examine in detail and critically assess the second part of Kant's ethics—an empirical, impure part, which determines how best to apply pure principles to the human situation. Drawing attention to Kant's under-explored impure ethics, this revealing investigation refutes the common and long-standing misperception that Kants ethics advocates empty formalism. Making detailed use of a variety of Kantian texts never before translated into English, author Robert B. Louden reassesses the strengths and weaknesses of Kantian ethics as a whole, once the second part is re-admitted to its rightful place within Kant's practical philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195130416
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/13/2000
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)
Lexile:	1520L (what's this?)

About the Author

University of Southern Maine

Table of Contents

PrefacePart IChapter 1.. What is Impure Ethics?Part IIChapter 2.. EducationChapter 3.. AnthropologyChapter 4.. Art and ReligionChapter 5.. HistoryPart IIIChapter 6.. Saved by Impurity? References Index

Editorial Reviews

"Louden has produced a book that is unique in its attempt to make a wide variety of Kant's writings relevant to his ethical theory...[Louden] displays a breathless grasp of extensive primary literature as well as secondary literature."—The Review of Metaphysics

"Anyone interested in investigating the empirical aspects of Kant's ethics will need to consult Louden and Wood. They both present richly detailed portrayals and discuss many themes."—International Philosophical Quarterly

From the Publisher