Kant's Theory of Action

by Richard McCarty

Overview

The theory of action underlying Immanuel Kant's ethical theory is the subject of this book. What "maxims" are, and how we act on maxims, are explained here in light of both the historical context of Kant's thought, and his classroom lectures on psychology and ethics. Arguing against the current of much recent scholarship, Richard McCarty makes a strong case for interpreting Kant as having embraced psychological determinism, a version of the "belief-desire model" of human motivation, and a literal, "two-worlds" metaphysics. On this interpretation, actions in the sensible world are always effects of prior psychological causes. Their explaining causal laws are the maxims of agents' characters. And agents act freely if, acting also in an intelligible world, what they do there results in their having the characters they have here, in the sensible world. McCarty additionally shows how this interpretation is fruitful for solving familiar problems perennially plaguing Kant's moral psychology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199567720
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/28/2009
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Richard McCarty is Associate Professor of Philosophy at East Carolina University. His research focuses on Kant's practical philosophy, and on related figures in the history of modern philosophy. He is co-editor, with Elizabeth Radcliffe, of Late Modern Philosophy: Essential Readings with Commentary (Blackwell, 2007).

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 Acting on Maxims
Chapter 2 Incentives
Chapter 3 Free Choice
Chapter 4 Acting in Two Worlds
Chapter 5 Character from Two Standpoints
Chapter 6 Moral Motivation
Chapter 7 Evil Nature, Good Will

Conclusion: Grounds for Hope
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

"This significant, stimulating contribution to Kantian practical philosophy strives to interpret Kant's theory of action in ways that will increase readers' understanding and appreciation of Kant's moral theory." —Journal of the History of Philosophy

From the Publisher