Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Across three sections Kant moves from common moral knowledge to the philosophical metaphysics of morals and finally to a critique of pure practical reason. Three formulations of the categorical imperative anchor the argument: act only on maxims you can will to be universal law; treat humanity always as an end and never merely as a means; act as a member of a possible kingdom of ends. The *Groundwork* is the shortest of Kant's ethical writings and remains the indispensable text in any introduction to deontological moral philosophy.