Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

"Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals," written by Immanuel Kant, explores the foundations of moral philosophy. Kant argues that morality is based on rationality and that moral actions must be guided by universal principles, known as categorical imperatives, which apply to everyone equally. He emphasizes the importance of treating individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end. This work establishes a framework for understanding ethical behavior that prioritizes duty, intention, and the inherent worth of all persons, laying the groundwork for modern ethical theory focused on reason and autonomy.