Practical Reason

More about the book

The notion of a distinctively practical use of reason and a corresponding form of knowledge connects diverse voices in the history of practical philosophy, from Aristotle to Kant, Rousseau to Marx, Hegel to G. E. M. Anscombe, and others. This volume compiles works by scholars inspired by these historical figures, aiming to enhance our understanding of contemporary philosophical debates surrounding practical reasoning, agential self-consciousness, the relationship between knowledge of the good and motivation, and philosophical perspectives on sound living together. Organized into three parts—action theory, meta-ethics, and political philosophy—the volume offers a fusion of perspectives that not only addresses systematic questions but also clarifies the unity and distinctions among historical thinkers who have explored practical reason. The essays delve into ethics, mind, action, and political philosophy, revealing the richness of this often-overlooked approach to human agency, which emphasizes action as an exercise of reason. This exploration highlights the interconnectedness of various philosophical domains typically treated in isolation.