In this paper I propose a novel Kantian analysis of “evil” – as opposed to merely “immoral” – actions in terms of “evil as dehumanization”. I argue that Kant offers us the resources for conceiving of evil actions as peculiar “hybrids” insofar as they (a) formally resemble immoral actions because they subordinate the principle of morality to the principle of self-love but (b) materially resemble moral actions because they have as their specific end humanity itself, although now regarded as an object to be directly violated. I present a Kantian taxonomy of evil actions which charts out the many ways that we can “dehumanize” other people in light of Kant’s overall value theory and conclude by showing how this Kantian account of evil relates to both some influential historic as well as modern conceptions of evil
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