Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals

In 'Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals', Kant seeks to discover and establish the fundamental principle of morality.

He argues that the only thing that is unconditionally good is a good will, and its goodness is not based on the results of actions but on the principle of volition itself.

Kant introduces the concept of the categorical imperative, which states that one must act only according to maxims that could be willed to become universal laws.

He derives this principle from ordinary moral thought and philosophical points about the nature of duty, emphasizing that moral laws are synthetic a priori judgments that apply to rational beings irrespective of contingent aspects of their nature.