Hartmann's Critique of Kant’s Ethics and Its Enduring Relevance

Abstract

The depth and profundity of Kant's ethical thinking did not escape the notice of subsequent moral philosophers. Among others, in recent times, phenomenological ethicists have sharply responded to Kant's ethical ideas, which have exercised a powerful and pervasive influence over the centuries down to the present era. Nicolai Hartmann is one such thinker who has duly recognized some aspects of importance in Kantian ethics, though he is highly critical of other aspects of his ethical thinking. Hartmann has devoted a section of his book ‘Ethics’ to critically appraise Kant's ethics. This research paper proposes to delineate, explicate, and reflect on Hartmann's criticism of Kant's ethical framework under three different sections, viz., (i) Subjectivism in Kant (ii) Formalism in Kant, and (iii) Intellectualism in Kant. By emphasizing the significance of intuitive insights, substantive values, and context-sensitive moral judgments, Hartmann's critique offers a more refined understanding of moral experience. This research also provides a framework for addressing complex moral dilemmas and challenges Kant’s rigid moral absolutism. Through a detailed analysis of both philosophers’ work, this study contributes to ongoing discussions in moral philosophy, exploring the delicate balance between universality and particularity in ethical thought and its implication for modern moral inquiry.