All philosophy is either theoretical or practical. Theoretical philosophy is the rule of knowledge, practical the rule of behavior in regard to free choice. The difference between theoretical and practical philosophy is in the object. The one has theory for its object, and the other practice." ((Kant's Lectures on Ethics, Collins' notes, p. 41)Conscience is an instinct, to judge with legal authority according to moral laws; it pronounces a judicial verdict, and just as a judge can only punish or acquit, but not reward, so conscience, too, either acquits or declares us to deserve punishment." (Kant's Lectures on Ethics, Collins' notes, p. 132)
Kant's distinction between "theoretical" and "practical" philosophy is perhaps the most helpful way into studying and appreciating his views about ethics. We need to be careful about Kant's usage, however, because for him the distinction is not so much between "pure" and "applied" knowledge, as between the study of what is, and the study of what should be. Thus all of physics and biology is a form of theoretical philosophy (in Kant's sense), because it is a study or application of knowledge of the way nature is. Ethics, on the other hand, is form of practical philosophy in Kant's mind, because it is not the study and application of moral knowledge, but rather the study of how we should deliberate or reason when faced with choices about our actions. This is why Korsgaard (whose handout we'll look at today) and others describe Kant's conception of ethics as "practical".
Although we want to figure out what Kant meant, rather than what we think he ought to have meant, we'll use a method of deliberation to get at some of the many ideas raised in the Lectures. Consider the following questions:
We'll begin with Jeffrey's conclusions about the first reading, and continue with discussions led by Kate, Ari and maybe Andy. As we go along we might reflect on whether our approach to and deliberations about the scenarios in Spinello's Case Studies would be changed were we to think of ourselves as Kantians.
Proposed Changes to the Seminar Schedule
Because we'll not have class on Wednesday, the 27th, and we'll likely need Monday's class to finish with Kant, I propose using the case studies in Part III of Spinello as the basis for the 3rd course paper/essay, and begin Nietzsche as planned on December 2nd. Whadayathink?
For Monday:: Read pp. 190-222 in Kant's Lectures on Ethics.