47 pages 1 hour read

Immanuel Kant

Critique of Practical Reason

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1788

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Essay Topics

1.

In your own words, summarize Immanuel Kant’s main argument in Critique of Practical Reason. Based on his argument, how would you describe Kant’s beliefs about morality to someone unfamiliar with his philosophy?

2.

Kant describes the concept of freedom or free will as a “stumbling block for all empiricists” (6). How does this concept act as a stumbling block? Why is Kant so resistant to the notion that free will does not exist? What does this say about his attitude toward empiricism and empirical arguments in general?

3.

Kant believes that “every rational but finite being” (23) desires happiness. Why does Kant argue that the desire for happiness universal, but happiness itself is not a universal, practical law? Why, in his view, is the pursuit of happiness not a sufficient foundation for moral behavior?

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