Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the different types of Kantian duties, including the distinction between perfect and imperfect duties. It begins with a fundamental distinction between what Kant called juridical duties (or duties of right) and ethical duties (or duties of virtue). The easiest way to explain the difference between juridical duties and ethical duties is in terms of whether they are subject to external enforcement by the state. Perfect duties are duties to do or refrain from doing specific actions, while imperfect duties are duties to adopt ends or take on commitments. The chapter then looks at the two duties that Kant puts into the category of imperfect duties: a duty to improve ourselves and a duty to promote the happiness of others.