From ‘Critique of Pure Practical Reason’ to Critique of Practical Reason: A Note on Kant’s Practical Strategy

Abstract

This paper examines the reasons why Immanuel Kant moved from a writing a ‘critique of pure practical reason’ in the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785) to writing the Critique of Practical Reason (1788). The parallel between a critique of pure reason and a critique of pure practical reason became less obvious to Kant over time as he worked out his strategy for practical philosophy. This paper is one of three focusing on Kant’s practical strategy through a focus on the evolution of his practical thinking.