The Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (Immanuel Kant)

Immanuel Kant's "The Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals" is a philosophical investigation into the basis of ethical principles. It argues that moral actions are driven by a sense of duty, guided by a universal moral law, which Kant calls the "categorical imperative." This imperative commands us to act only according to principles we could will to be universal laws and to treat people as ends, not means. Kant emphasizes that morality is rooted in rationality and autonomy, asserting that true moral worth comes from acting out of duty rather than personal desires or consequences.