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Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals

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Published in 1785. A short, difficult book that tries to establish the single principle underlying all of morality: the categorical imperative. Act only as you would want everyone to act.

Nothing in the world, indeed nothing even beyond the world, can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualification except a GOOD WILL. Intelligence, wit, judgment, and other mental talents, or courage, resolution, and perseverance as qualities of temperament, are doubtless in many respects good and desirable.

A good will is not good because of what it effects or accomplishes, nor because of its adequacy to achieve some proposed end, but only because of its volition, that is, it is good in itself.

There is therefore but one categorical imperative, namely this: Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

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