Jeanine Grenberg Knihy

Focusing on Kantian virtue theory, the book examines the pivotal role of humility through various literary and philosophical examples. Grenberg delves into the complexities of moral character, emphasizing how humility shapes ethical understanding and human interactions. The exploration offers insights into the interplay between virtue and moral philosophy, providing a nuanced perspective on Kant's ideas.

Kant's moral philosophy is explored through the lens of the inherent conflict between happiness and morality, emphasizing how this tension arises from common human experiences. The book delves into the implications of these conflicts, revealing how they shape our understanding of ethical behavior and the pursuit of a meaningful life. By examining these themes, the author provides a fresh perspective on Kant's ideas and their relevance to contemporary moral dilemmas.

In previous years, philosophers have either ignored the virtue of humility or found it to be in need of radical redefinition. But humility is a central human virtue, and it is the purpose of this book to defend that claim from a Kantian point of view. Jeanine Grenberg argues that we can indeed speak of Aristotelian-style, but still deeply Kantian, virtuous character traits. She proposes moving from focus on action to focus on person, not leaving the former behind, but instead taking it up within a larger, more satisfying Kantian moral theory. Using examples from literature as well as philosophy, she shows that there is a Kantian virtue theory to be explored in which humility plays a central role. Her book will have a wide appeal to readers not only in Kant studies but also in theological ethics and moral psychology.