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Cover of Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Enlightenment · Ethics

Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

by Immanuel Kant. Kant develops the categorical imperative and treats rational persons as autonomous ends rather than mere means.

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Date
1785
Origin
Prussia (Germany)
Era
Enlightenment
Genre
Ethics
Difficulty
Challenging
Length
Medium
Collection
The Western Canon

Subjects and themes

DutyFreedomDignity

Why it matters

Kant develops the categorical imperative and treats rational persons as autonomous ends rather than mere means.

This work is included in the collection on the basis of broader great books. Its cataloged influence level is 5 out of 5.

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Reading lists featuring Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Reading path

Essential 100

A century of works that gives the broadest useful first view of the Western canon. 100 books · Advanced.