Customer Reviews

An Introduction to Kant's Ethics

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.