Kantian Ethics Almost without Apology

by Marcia W. Baron

A reappraisal on the emphasis on duty in Immanuel Kant's ethics is long overdue. Marcia W. Baron evaluates and for the most part defends Kantian ethics against two frequent criticisms: that duty plays too large a role, leaving no room for the supererogatory; and that Kant places too much value on acting from duty. The author first argues that Kant's distinction between perfect and imperfect duties provides a plausible and intriguing alternative to contemporary approaches to charity, self-sacrifice, heroism, and saintliness. She probes the differences between the supererogationist and the Kantian, exploring the motivation between the former's position and bringing to light sharply divided views on the nature of moral constraint and excellence. Baron then confronts problems associated with Kant's account of moral motivation, she argues that the value that Kant attaches to acting from duty attaches primarily to governing ones conduct by a commitment to doing what morality asks. Thus understood, Kant's ethics steers clear of the most serious criticism. Of special interest is her discussion of overdetermination. Clearly written and cogently argued, Kantian Ethics Almost without Apology takes on the most philosophically intriguing challenges to Kantian ethics and subjects them to a rigorous yet sympathetic assessment. Readers will find here original contributions to the debate over impartial morality.

Genres: Philosophy

264 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. I first read it at Borders while working as a bookseller there, but I eventually had to buy it. Baron takes a serious look at Kantian Ethics, providing a strong defense of his ehtical position and its relation to utility. She does this through an investigation of superogatory acts and their relation to the nonutilitarian character of Kant's categorical imperative. Can the Kantian system's nonconsequentialist position accommodate other acts that are nonconsequentialist, moral but unnecessary for compliance with universal reason? Really a great work, very clarifying of Kant's work.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a closely reasoned argument justifying Kant's rejection of supererogatory duty. It also helped me better understand Kant's notion of imperfect duty.