This study argues that while respect does not play a motivating role in Kant's ethics, it does fulfil a systematically necessary function. As a form of feeling, it ensures that human beings are able to develop a distinctive moral consciousness. To this extent, the feeling of respect is epistemologically necessary, even though it is only a side-effect of the rational determination of the will.

Autorentext

Nora Kassan, Ruhr-Universität Bochum.