Kant on Moral Autonomy

This book explores Kant's concept of autonomy - of central importance for contemporary philosophy and moral thought and often said to be the justification for human rights. Of interest to human rights theorists, graduate and advanced undergraduate students of Kantian studies, moral philosophy, legal and political philosophy, the history of philosophy and psychology.

The concept of autonomy is one of Kant's central legacies for contemporary moral thought. We often invoke autonomy as both a moral ideal and a human right, especially a right to determine oneself independently of foreign determinants; indeed, to violate a person's autonomy is considered to be a serious moral offence. Yet while contemporary philosophy claims Kant as the originator of its notion of autonomy, Kant's own conception of the term seems to differ in important respects from our present-day interpretation. Kant on Moral Autonomy brings together a distinguished group of scholars who explore the following questions: what is Kant's conception of autonomy? What is its history and its influence on contemporary conceptions? And what is its moral significance? Their essays will be of interest both to scholars and students working on Kantian moral philosophy and to anyone interested in the subject of autonomy.