Unnecessary Evil: History and Moral Progress in the Philosophy of Immanuel Kant

Exploring the interplay between Kant's ethics and his philosophy of history, Sharon Anderson-Gold argues for a collective understanding of virtue and vice, challenging the individualistic interpretation of Kantian ethics. She posits that moral progress is a shared responsibility, emphasizing the importance of social conditions in defining radical evil. The book further delves into the role of reflective judgment in fostering cosmopolitan values, advocating for duties related to international institutions, human rights, and global economic justice, thus guiding individual moral actions within a societal framework.