Freedom and the categorical imperative. About morality in the age of Natural Sciences

  • Otfried Höffe

Abstract

This article puts into question the desire to prove the free existence of the will thru resources provided by neurobiology. To achieve this the author asks himself how morality is possible considering this view. The argumentation first resorts to kantian theory to make a distinction between the laws of "is" and those of "ought". Secondly, to offer an explanation of the two first formulations of the categorical imperative underlining the importance of both maxims. Thirdly, he resorts to an explanation of the kantian theory of right, distinguishing its different levels, at the same time pointing out the importance of each one of them. Finally, he makes a distinction between morality and pragmatism, with which he proves that the critique of the kantian theory is not as definitive as might seem at first glance. 

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Published
03-12-2007
Section
Artículos