Morality as Practical Cognition

This article highlights the merits of Stephen Engstrom's attempt of placing Kant’s ethics in the tradition of practical cognitivism,in contrast to intuitionist and anti-realist ways of appropriating Kant’s legacy. In particular, it focuses on two issues: first, the special character ofpractical knowledge—as opposed to theoretical knowledge and craft expertise; and second, the apparent tension between the demands of morality and the requirements of instrumental reason, when this is understood as driven by concerns for happiness, prudence, and personal integrity. In contrast to Engstrom, the Author argues for a form of practical cognitivism that is constructive and importantly refers to the constitutive role of moral sensibility.