The Metaphysics of Morals
by Immanuel Kant · Die Metaphysik der Sitten
Assigned by 1 of the 9 reading lists, catalogue entry only
- Written
- 1797
- Form
- Treatise
- Language
- German
- Length
- Medium · 280 pp120 to 300 pages
- Difficulty
- Difficult4 of 5 for a first-year reader
We recommendThe Metaphysics of Morals, translated by Mary GregorCambridge University Press, 1996The standard English translation of both the Doctrine of Right and the Doctrine of Virtue.
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Kant's late systematic work applies the moral law worked out in the Groundwork and the second Critique. The Doctrine of Right covers external freedom, property, contract, marriage, the state, punishment and international relations, arguing that a rightful condition requires a civil state and that the death penalty is just. The Doctrine of Virtue covers the duties one has to oneself, such as not to lie or to serve, and to others, such as beneficence, gratitude and respect. Great Books volumes often print only the general introduction and the Doctrine of Right under the title The Science of Right.
No reading guide yet
The catalogue entry above is complete: the dates, the form, the themes and every program that assigns The Metaphysics of Morals are verified against each program's published list.
What is missing is the part that takes real work: the summary, the key passages, and a recommended translation. The edition named below is the one most programs assign, so the buy links are useful already.
