Kant's Will at the Crossroads: An Essay on the Failings of Practical Rationality

When human beings fail to do as reason bids, Kant advocates Socratic intellectualism in the realm of prudence while defending an anti-intellectualist or volitional account of immoral action. This hybrid theory of practical failure has ramifications for Kant's theory of practical reason, emphasizing the divide between pure and empirical practical rationality and the dichotomy between hypothetical and categorical imperatives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

When human beings fail to follow the guidance of reason, a profound and complex phenomenon unfolds. This book delves into the depths of Kant's mature practical philosophy, a philosophical framework that emerged with the groundbreaking discovery of autonomy in the mid-1780s. Kant, as ever, presents us with a thought-provoking puzzle. Rather than offering a singular answer, he presents a multifaceted perspective, advocating for two distinct approaches: Socratic intellectualism in the realm of prudence and an anti-intellectualist or volitional account of immoral action. This hybrid theory of practical failure goes beyond mere philosophical curiosity, as it has profound implications for Kant's entire theory of practical reason.

The hybrid account highlights a crucial divide between pure and empirical practical rationality. While the latter may contain practical propositions that hold relevance, it no longer constitutes a branch of practical reason in its own right. This distinction emphasizes the nuanced nature of rationality and the complexities involved in navigating moral dilemmas.

Two distinct types of normativity are exemplified by hypothetical and categorical imperatives. These imperatives represent entirely different modes of moral guidance and provide a framework for determining right and wrong actions. The dichotomy between pure and empirical determining grounds of the will, as highlighted in the hybrid account, is closely linked to other dualisms and dichotomies that shape Kant's mature ethical thought.

Kant's philosophy is a rich tapestry of ideas, and his exploration of practical failure sheds light on the intricate interplay between reason, morality, and human behavior. By examining the consequences of failing to follow reason, Kant invites us to reflect on the nature of rationality, the role of the will, and the foundations of ethical decision-making. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion of Kant's philosophy and its enduring relevance in contemporary ethical discourse.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192896032