Kant and the limits of autonomy /

Shell (political science, Boston College) carefully traces the genesis and development of Kant's notion of autonomy. From lesser known pre-critical writings, through his critical ethics (the Groundlaying and second Critique), to the writings on religion and history of the 1790s, Shell meticulously reconstructs the motives and "paradox" of Kant's central, ethical ideal of "human reasoning furnishing its own unconditional ground." She shows how Kant envisioned certain limits on autonomy, which contemporary accounts often find difficult to admit. Unlike contemporary post-metaphysical (Nietzsche/Foucault) or purely political conceptions (Rawls) of autonomy, Kant roots his concept in robust notions of moral merit, moral self-respect, and the highest good. Ultimately, Shell's aim is "not to free the Kantian bits we like from their less-attractive metaphysical and religious supports but to better understand the argument that led Kant to develop and deploy the concept of autonomy as he did." Only then can Kant serve as a "potential resource for liberal politics today." With clear prose and a technical mastery of the sources, this volume will serve as an indispensable resource for Kant scholars. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students and faculty/researchers. S. D. Lake Trinity Christian College