Date of Award
5-10-2019
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Sebastian Rand
Second Advisor
Eric Wilson
Abstract
In the Elements of the Philosophy of Right, G.W.F Hegel asks: can the Categorical Imperative (CI) determine our duties? Though Kant thinks that the CI can indicate to us (a) what our duties are, and (b) why we are obligated to do them, Hegel thinks that Kant is mistaken. According to Hegel, the CI is not able to do either (a) or (b) because it employs only a universalizability test and the criterion of non-contradiction to give an account for both. If Kant is able to direct us to our duties from the CI, it is only because, in Hegel’s view, Kant has presupposed certain content-filled principles in the universalizability test. However, Kant is not justified to bring in outside content because of his formalist commitment to adhere only to the form of universality when conducting practical legislation.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/14447734
Recommended Citation
Kausar, Auj, "Hegel's Empty Formalism Critique." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2019.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/14447734