Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

02-02-2026

Introduction

Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals is one of Immanuel Kant's most famous works. The goal of the text is plain, simple, and radical: to find the supreme principle of morality that is valid for all rational beings. To him, morality has three distinct characteristics:

  1. It is universal
  2. It is necessary
  3. It is rational

At the crux of the question, Kant concerns himself with good will. In fact, the entire text starts from one point: Kant's claim that good will is the only thing that is good without qualificationUnconditionally. Anything else, say intelligence, happiness, talent, etc are not unconditionally good since they still may be used for evil. Thus, Kant views good will as the will to do what is right because it is right.

Throughout the rest of the text, we see key Kantian beliefs. Ideas like morality through reason, freedom and morality, and his famous Categorical Imperative are cleanly laid out logically. The book has three main sections:

  1. Section 1: Common sense morality -> philosophical analysis
  2. Section 2: From duty -> categorical imperative
  3. Section 3: From morality -> freedom

Sections