KANT AND KANTIANS ON THE MORAL LAW:

FALL 2012
DRAFT SYLLABUS
(subject to revision)

INSTRUCTOR: MICAH LOTT micahelias@gmail.com

Office hours: Wed 1:30-3pm, Thurs 12-1pm, and by appointment

Course Time: Tue/Thurs: 3pm.

Location: Devlin 117

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GOALS

In this class, we will examine Kant's account of the categorical imperative, and his attempt to show
that it is the supreme principle of all morality. We will read Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics
of Morals and Critique of Practical Reason. Alongside these primary texts, we will also examine
different interpretations of the categorical imperative by contemporary philosophers, including
Christine Korsgaard and Allen Wood. Our goal is to understand Kant's account of the moral law, as
well as the prospects and problems for different versions of Kantian moral philosophy. This is a
discussion-based, seminar-style course. Class time will be focused on careful analysis of the texts and
the arguments presented.

TEXTS
The following texts are required and available in the BC bookstore. Please purchase the
translations/editions available in the bookstore. Shorter readings are on the Blackboard website.
- KANT Practical Philosophy
- KORSGAARD Sources of Normativity
- WOOD Kantian Ethics
- DARWALL The Second Person Standpoint
- ENGSTROM The Form of Practical Knowledge

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
I) ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION. If you choose to take this class, it is mandatory to attend the
seminar and participate actively. I will often ask you for questions/comments on the readings at the
beginning of class.

II) ASSIGNMENTS:
- Presentation: Each member of the seminar will be required to give at least one
presentation on the day’s reading. Worth 10% of your final grade.
- First paper (4-6 pages). Due XX worth 30% of your final grade.
- Second paper (10 pages). Due XX worth 60% of your final grade.

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GRADING
You will receive both letter and numerical grades for each assignment. The numerical grades will be
used to calculate your final grade. Numerical and letter grades correspond as follows:
A 10.0-9.5 A/A- 9.4 A- 9.3-9.1 A-/B+ 9.0
B+ 8.9-8.8 B+/B 8.7 B 8.6-8.5 B- 8.3-8.0
C+ 7.9-7.7 C 7.6-7.3 C- 7.3-7.0
D 6.9-6.0 F 5.9 and below

Late papers will be deducted .5 for each day after the deadline they are received. You are allowed 1,
no questions ask, no penalty, 2-day extension on one of the papers. (NB: This cannot be “split” into
two, 1-day extensions). I suggest you save this till absolutely necessary. No other extensions are
allowed, outside of tragedy.

PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is forbidden. Plagiarism undermines the enterprise of learning. It is dishonest. It is
disrespectful to your fellow students, to your instructor, and to yourself. Do not plagiarize. For
penalties and guidelines, please see the BC website.

ELECTRONICS
All electronic devices should be switched to silent mode before coming to class. Because laptops,
tablets, and smart phones tend to be a distraction and an impediment to discussion, their use is
strictly prohibited. Bring your text, your mind, and a pencil and paper!

SPECIAL CONCERNS
If you have any questions or concerns – including any concerns related to a disability or special need
– please feel free to speak with me or email me. I am happy to make accommodations. I want all of
you to be able to learn in a safe, comfortable environment. If you require any accommodation, speak
to me at the beginning of the term. Do not wait till assignments are due to bring this to my attention.

If you are an athlete who needs to miss class in order to play in games, you must give me your game
schedule at the beginning of the term. Based on the number of classes you will miss, we can then
decide if this class is a good option for you. As always at Boston College, athletic practices are not an
acceptable reason for missing class.

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 SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS

NB: THE READING IS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE CLASS ON THE DAY THE ASSIGNMENT IS LISTED.

PART I: THE GROUNDWORK OF THE METAPHYSICS OF MORALS

1 Introduction The central aim of Kant’s moral philosophy.

(9/4) Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Morals Sec I as
background.
2 Groudwork: Preface and I
(9/6)

3 Groundwork I cont. and GW

(9/11) II

4 Groundwork II cont.
(9/13)

5 Groundwork II cont.
(9/18)

6 Groundwork III
(9/20)

PART II: ALLEN WOOD AND CHRISTINE KORSGAARD

7 Wood – Kantian Ethics

(9/25) Chapter 4: The Moral Law

8 Wood – Kantian Ethics

(9/27) Chapter 5: Humanity

9 Korsgaard – Sources Lecture 3

(10/2)

10 Korsgaard – Sources Lecture 4

(10/4)

11 Korsgaard – Sources Responses,

(10/9) esp. 5 & 7

12 Korsgaard – Sources Reply

(10/11)

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PART III: THE CRITIQUE OF PRACTICAL REASON

13 Critique of Practical Reason

(10/16)

14 Critique of Practical Reason

(10/18)

15 Critique of Practical Reason

(10/23)

16 Critique of Practical Reason

(10/25)

17 Critique of Practical Reason

(10/30)

PART IV: STEPHEN DARWALL: THE SECOND PERSON STANDPOINT

18 Darwall – Second Person

(11/1) Chapters 1 & 2: “Main Ideas I
& II”

19 Darwall – Second Person

(11/6) Chapter 9 (“Morality and
Autonomy in Kant”

Wood – Kantian Ethics Chapter

7 (“Autonomy”)

20 Darwall – Second Person

(11/8) Chapter 10

21 Darwall – Second Person

(11/13) Chapter 10 continued

22 Darwall – Second Person Chapter

(11/15) 12 (“Foundation for
Contractualism”)

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PART IV: STEPHEN ENGSTROM: THE FORM OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

23 Stephen Engstrom: Form of

(11/20) Practical Knowledge Chapter IV

24 Stephen Engstrom: Form of

(11/27) Practical Knowledge Chapter V

25 Stephen Engstrom: Form of

(11/29) Practical Knowledge Chapter VI

26 Stephen Engstrom: Form of

(12/4) Practical Knowledge Chapter VII

27 Stephen Engstrom: Form of

(12/6) Practical Knowledge cont.