JOURNAL ARTICLE

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Self-Knowledge.

  • Published In: Monist, 2025, v. 108, n. 1. P. 81 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: MacKenzie, Jordan 3 of 3

Abstract

The article examines the moral value of unsuccessful self-scrutiny through an interpretation of Immanuel Kant's duty of self-knowledge as presented in the *Metaphysics of Morals*. It argues that Kant's duty involves both particular self-knowledge—understanding one's individual moral character—and generic self-knowledge—recognizing oneself as fundamentally morally worthy yet imperfect. The duty's status as the "First Command" is explained by its role in establishing the thick moral unity necessary for genuine moral agency, despite human tendencies toward self-conceit and moral self-opacity. Even when self-scrutiny fails to yield detailed self-knowledge, the act itself affirms one's moral worth and commitment to moral responsibility, making unsuccessful self-examination morally valuable.

Additional Information

  • Source:Monist. 2025/01, Vol. 108, Issue 1, p81
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0026-9662
  • DOI:10.1093/monist/onae032
  • Accession Number:182437311
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