Kantian Ethics

In this book, Allen Wood investigates Kant's conception of ethical theory, using it to develop a viable approach to the rights and moral duties of human beings. By remaining closer to Kant's own view of the aims of ethics, Wood's understanding of Kantian ethics differs from the received 'constructivist' interpretation, especially on such matters as the ground and function of ethical principles, the nature of ethical reasoning and autonomy as the ground of ethics. Wood does not hesitate to criticize and modify Kant's conclusions when they seem inconsistent with his basic principles or fail to make the best use of the resources Kantian principles make available. Of special interest are the book's treatment of such topics as freedom of the will, the state's role in securing economic justice, sexual morality, the justification of punishment, and the prohibition on lying.

• An interpretation of Kantian ethics that differs from the received Rawlsian or 'constructivist' reading on many points
• A defense of the Kantian approach to issues such as freedom of will, moral status of unborn life and non-human animals, and social justice
• Criticisms and revisions of Kant's views on punishment and sexual morality that are based, however, on Kantian principles