In Defense of (Kantian) Imperfect Duty

Abstract

This paper argues for three points. First (very briefly): Kant’s criteria of perfect/ imperfect duty should not be conflated with other perfect/imperfect distinctions. Second (less briefly): when you reflect on the duties you, as a human being, are under, you find reason to accept Kant’s distinction; it tracks important considerations. Third (and not at all briefly): the common objection to Kant’s distinction in modern philosophy—that it misclassifies some duties of aid—fails. I argue for this last point on two lines. I show that familiar arguments for reclassification face serious difficulties. I then attempt to undermine the assumption that “directed” duties are all, or almost all, of what matters