THE PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY PRIZE ESSAY COMPETITION 2009

£1500

Moral Autonomy

The Philosophical Quarterly invites submissions for its 2009 international prize essay competition, the topic of which is Moral Autonomy.  

In the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals of 1785, Immanuel Kant first introduced the philosophical public to the notion of moral autonomy. The common conception of morality as unconditionally binding is possible only if the human will is construed as subjecting itself to a formal, universal law of reason. This 'Kantian paradox' of a necessary law that we freely impose upon ourselves has provoked and inspired philosophers ever since. For Kant, autonomy is also the ground of the special status of human beings, their dignity. In more recent times, notions of autonomy and self-determination have played an important role in more applied fields in ethical and legal theory.  

Essays are invited that consider any aspect of moral autonomy or its history.  

Essays should not be longer than 8,000 words. They should be typed in double spacing and conform to the usual stylistic requirements (see notes for authors). Three copies of each essay are required and these will not be returned. All entries will be regarded as submissions for publication in The Philosophical Quarterly, and both winning and non-winning entries judged to be of sufficient quality will be published. The closing date for submissions is 1st November 2009.  

All submissions should be headed 'Moral Autonomy' (with the author's name and address given in a covering letter, but NOT in the essay itself) and sent to:  

The Executive Editor
The Philosophical Quarterly
University of St Andrews
KY16 9AL
Scotland, UK.  

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