What is the difference between perfect and imperfect obligations

It is argued that the perfect-imperfect distinction, even though it does not support the priority claim, is not altogether normatively neutral or uninteresting. In particular, for some of the ways in which the distinction is drawn, it is shown that the distinction yields the following normative implication: Sometimes perfect duties override imperfect duties and all other times there is no priority one way or the other.

Finally, it is explained that this normative implication - which can be referred to as the "privilege claim" - translates into the following practical directive: When there is a conflict between a perfect duty and an imperfect duty, sometimes one must act in conformity with the former duty and all other times one is free to choose which of the two duties to act in conformity with.

This practical directive represents the ultimate finding of this thesis. Sharon Sytsma Sharon Sytsma 1. This seems to be intended as a comment on my answer. I think you're grossly misinterpreting the cancellation there. You're taking it to mean that the two somehow coalesce.

I take it to mean on the contrary that since the Categorical Imperative is only one Cf. Groundwork that it eliminates all apparent conflicts leaving only your real duty. In terms of the reading you are giving On a Supposed Right to Lie , that's the same interpretation Korsgaard gives it. But I take that reading to be thoroughly convoluted. Specifically, the problem is that you're suggesting morality should be more lenient than law for Kant whereas I take Kant to believe that law restricts those outward actions that are always immoral and morality requires a correspondence of will to the moral law.

Or to make a third point, the claims about obligations obliterating other obligations instanter seems to ensure there are not cases where Kant would believe our duties conflict.

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Version labels for answers. Linked 2. Related 9. Hot Network Questions. Question feed. Philosophy Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled. Mellema, G. Mill, J. Murphy, J. Okin, S. Pietroski, P. Pufendorf, S. Oldfather and W. Oldfather, trans. Rainbolt, G. Ross, W. Gowans ed. Schumaker, M. Statman, D. Stocker, M. Urmson, J. Melden ed. Download references. Holtman SW Kantian justice and poverty relief. Kant-Studien, Jahrg.

Kant I Immanuel Kant: practical philosophy, ed. Gregor MJ. In: Goldie M ed Locke: political essays.