Pure philosophy

Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals primary

Kant argues that philosophy should separate the empirical from the rational parts—especially by adding a priori “metaphysics of nature” and “metaphysic of morals”—and that moral laws must be grounded in pure reason, not in human nature or circumstances.

rational part. It is the same with Ethics; but here the empirical part might have the special name of practical anthropology, the name morality being appropriated to the rational part. All trades, arts, and handiworks have gained by division of labour, namely, when, instead of one man doing everything, each confines himself to a certain kind of work distinct from others in the treatment it requires, so as to be able…