Practical Kantian Ethics: A Commonsense Account of Moral Life

Reversing the usual order of interpretation, Donald Wilson

reinterprets Kant's moral theory through his later practical works

offering a new "inner freedom" account informing obscure aspects of

Kant's formal moral philosophy and the practical focus of ideals of

proper respect.

This account transcends the narrow rational asceticism often

associated with Kant's view, embedding morality in our humanity,

recognizing the vital role of emotion in moral life, and prioritizing

framing moral commitments and questions of character over

obedience to formal rules. In doing so, it makes community and

collective and individual judgment essential in giving content to

ideals of practical respect, creating important space for moral

disagreement and growth.

Focused on the integration of diverse norms and the lived

experience of morality, Wilson's account affords Kantians a nuanced

understanding of the relationship between moral and personal

life and everyday norms of fidelity, non-violence, rescue, and

care capable of guiding ordinary moral judgement and informing

deliberation in hard cases where different grounds of obligation

conflict. It is essential reading for anyone working on Kant's moral

philosophy today.