The Critique of Practical Reason

"The Critique of Practical Reason" by Immanuel Kant is a journey into the core of moral philosophy, penned in the 1700s. This piece takes a look at how practical reason shapes our will and moral codes. Kant discusses ideas like freedom, duty, and the rules that guide morality, working to build a system where morality comes from our ability to reason, not just what we experience or guess. Beginning with the importance of practical reason, the book stresses how it sets moral standards for our behavior. It suggests that moral rules should be built on pure logic instead of personal wants or real-world situations. According to Kant, true moral rules are commands that must always be followed and emphasizes that we must have control over our own actions and that these rules apply to everyone. The text also sets out to correct common misconceptions about morality, like it being related to self-interest, and supports the idea that our moral duties are based on reason and surpass simple desires.