On the Contradiction in Conception Test of the Categorical Imperative

Abstract

The author argues against Christine Korsgaard\'s influential interpretation of
Kant\'s contradiction in conception test of the categorical imperative. Korsgaard\'s
rejection of the ‘teleological' interpretation is shown to be based on a
misunderstanding of the role that teleology plays for Kant in ruling out immoral
maxims, and her defence of the ‘practical' interpretation is shown to
be less faithful to the text than the competing ‘logical' interpretation. The
works of Barbara Herman and Allen Wood are also discussed and evaluated.

South African Journal of Philosophy Vol. 26 (3) 2007: pp. 306-318