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Full Idea
Given the stringent demands of the Kantian ethic, the moral law would seem almost to require a foundation in nothing, for any empirical precondition would undermine its priority.
Gist of Idea
Kant's moral law has no foundation - because that would undermine its priority
Source
Michael J. Sandel (Procedural republic and unencumbered self [1984], 'Kantian')
Book Ref
Sandel,Michael J.: 'Public Philosophy: Essays' [Harvard 2005], p.159
A Reaction
The idea of a value with 'a foundation in nothing' is particular anathema to me, because my project is to find a foundation for everything (in nature, which is the Given). Kant's only foundational value seems to be rational consistency.
22805 | Liberalism concerns rights, and communitarianism concerns the common good [Sandel, by Avineri/De-Shalit] |
22262 | Kant's moral law has no foundation - because that would undermine its priority [Sandel] |
22264 | Modern liberal rights in democracies protect individuals against the majority [Sandel] |
22261 | Liberals say rights always come first, and justice is neutral on social values [Sandel] |
22263 | Liberal justice means the withdrawal of the self, as transcendental or as unencumbered [Sandel] |