Kant, constructivism, and 'Kantian Constructivism'

Thesis

In recent years a ‘constructivist’ interpretation of Kant’s views on the foundations of morality has become very popular. This thesis argues that Kant did not hold a constructivist view, and that constructivism is not in a broader sense ‘Kantian’ nor a sympathetic revision of Kant’s views. I begin by clarifying what makes a moral theory distinctively ‘constructivist’. Then I argue that the textual evidence does not support a constructivist reading of Kant, and explain some of the passages which suggest constructivism. Finally, I offer a critique of constructivism as a substantive meta-ethical view.

Authors: Worsnip, AL

• Publication date: 2010
• Type of award: BPhil
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Kant; Kantian constructivism; constructivism; meta-ethics
• Subjects: Ethics (Moral philosophy); Modern Western philosophy