International Philosophical Quarterly

Volume 54, Issue 2, June 2014

The Interconnection between Willing and Believing for Kant’s and Kantian Ethics

In this paper I look at the connection between willing and believing for Kant’s and Kantian ethics. I argue that the two main formulations of the categorical imperative are relativized to agents according to their beliefs. I then point out three different ways in which Kant or a present-day Kantian might defend this position. I conclude with some remarks about the contrast between Kant’s legal theory and his ethical theory.