An Introduction to Kant's Ethics [Paperback]

Roger J. Sullivan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521467691 | ISBN-13: 978-0521467698 | Publication Date: July 29, 1994 | Edition: 1

This is the most up-to-date, brief and accessible introduction to Kant's ethics available. It approaches the moral theory via the political philosophy, thus allowing the reader to appreciate why Kant argued that the legal structure for any civil society must have a moral basis. This approach also explains why Kant thought that our basic moral norms should serve as laws of conduct for everyone. The volume also includes a detailed commentary on Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant's most widely studied work of moral philosophy.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This is the most up-to-date, brief and accessible introduction to Kant's ethics available. It approaches the moral theory via the political philosophy, thus allowing the reader to appreciate why Kant argued that the legal structure for any civil society must have a moral basis.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (July 29, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521467691
• ISBN-13: 978-0521467698
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #803,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to Kant's ethics, January 28, 2008

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Bookworm (New York) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: An Introduction to Kant's Ethics (Paperback)

The problem with Kant's political theory is that it is not found in one work. His ethics is spread out in Critique of Pure Reason, Groundworks of the Metaphysics of Morals, Critique of Practical Reason and many more. Taken the fact that Kant's language (even in German) is anything but easy to understand and that most students never move beyond the "Groundworks of the Metaphysics of Morals" Sullivan's introduction is a gold mine! It's easy to read, explains the concepts and the development of Kant's thought and points you to the relevant further readings if needed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars High-Level Cliff Notes (In a Good Sense), January 29, 2009

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Reader (Arlington, Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Kant's Ethics (Paperback)

This book is a short, tight, and clearly-written exposition of Kant's "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals" (perhaps the most horribly-named book in the history of philosophy). Kant is difficult; Sullivan helps to make him clear. Readers should know, however, that Sullivan limits himself to unpacking and restating Kant's argument. He doesn't critique it or compare it to rival moral theories (such as Hume's). For that reason I knocked off one star.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting Kant right, January 25, 2009

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Carlos Silva Marques - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Kant's Ethics (Paperback)

Very informative in a straightforward and clear style. Kant is is often misunderstood and this books gets it right. A nice introduction to Kant's metaethicseven for beginners.