Spring 2007
Kant's Moral Theory
PHIL 433, crn 34054
PHIL 533, crn 34060
1400-1550, MW, 204 Chapman

We will undertake a close study of some of the key writings in which Kant sets forth his conception of morality and discusses important moral problems, especially Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Metaphysical Principles of Virtue, and Lectures on Ethics. We will examine the roots of Kant's theory, how its central doctrines hang together, and why it has had such a strong influence on subsequent moral philosophy down to the present day. I will argue that Kant's work is a philosophical analysis and rational justification of the foundations of large parts of the dominant moral tradition in western culture, without reliance upon that tradition's theological assumptions. Consequently, by critically examining Kant's theory we can get profound insight into aspects of Western morality, especially where Kant gave eloquent expression to key notions like moral law, duty, respect, and autonomy.


If you have questions about the course, please let me know.


Mark L. Johnson
Knight Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy
1295 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1295
markj@uoregon.edu
(541) 346-5548 :Office
(541) 346-5544 :FAX