Who was Immanuel Kant? How did his writing influence international politics?
Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) was a highly influential German philosopher whose works focused primarily on the workings of the mind in terms of reason, aesthetics, and the nature of reality. Kant, for example, questioned how we know things are real (i.e., where does knowledge come from). There were two schools of thought in Kant’s day: knowledge comes from human reason (rationalism) or knowledge comes from human experience (experiencealism) (empiricism). He set about finding a middle ground between the two, igniting the philosophical world in the process. Kant contended that our first steps toward knowledge are experiential; however, rationalism has something to offer as well. We have experiences and thus gain knowledge, but each experience is accompanied by the mind’s interpretation and categorization of that knowledge; thus, our understanding of reality is the result of a synthesis of rationalism and empiricism.
Immanuel Kant’s writings are widely regarded as among the most profound of the world’s philosophies. It would be impossible to attempt an exhaustive analysis of Kant’s theories here. However, we can compare some of his basic premises to Scripture. Skepticism of all things metaphysical grew out of Kant’s views on reality and reason. Immanuel Kant believed God was essentially unknowable because the human mind is incapable of comprehending the workings of the supernatural. The Bible teaches that God is transcendent, but it also shows that God can be known through the Person of Jesus Christ (see John 14:7–11).
Kant is well-known for criticizing traditional arguments for God’s existence, including Descartes’ ontological argument. He is also known for proposing the “categorical imperative,” which has influenced how we think about ethics. According to Kant’s categorical imperative, we should think beyond the personal impact of our decisions and ask, “What would happen if everyone in the world took this action?” In other words, a person may justify lying or cheating by claiming that it causes no harm to anyone. But, what kind of world would we have if everyone justified lying and cheating on a regular basis? Kant’s categorical imperative advances Christianity’s cause: if everyone in the world followed Christ’s teaching and loved their neighbor as themselves (Galatians 5:14), the world would undoubtedly be a better place.
Immanuel Kant’s and others’ philosophies are useful in that they help us think, reason, and consider reality. However, they lack the one thing that is absolutely necessary for gaining truth and knowledge: illumination. Before the mind can grasp spiritual truth, the Holy Spirit must enlighten the heart. This is why salvation is (and must be) a grace-based gift (Ephesians 2:8–9). God never leaves us in the dark. Anyone who wishes to know Him may do so. “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you,” He said (James 1:5).
Immanuel Kant established much of modern philosophy while also influencing the transcendentalist movement, deontology, and natural law. Kant’s works, including The Critique of Pure Reason (1781), Foundation for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785), Critique of Practical Reason (1788), and Religion Within the Limits of Reason Alone (1793), continue to have an impact on contemporary thought and various fields of philosophy, politics, and aesthetics.
Kant, Immanuel Kant
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The doctrine of “transcendental idealism,” which emphasizes a distinction between what we can experience (the natural, observable world) and what we cannot (“supersensible” objects such as God and the soul), is at the heart of Kant’s system. Kant contended that we can only know what we can experience. As a result, in response to the question, “What can I know?” Kant responds that we can know the natural, observable world, but we cannot have answers to many of metaphysics’ most profound questions.
Kant’s ethics revolve around the concept of a “categorical imperative,” which is a universal ethical principle stating that one should always respect the humanity in others and only act in accordance with rules that apply to everyone. Kant contended that moral law is a rational truth, and thus all rational creatures are bound by the same moral law. As a result, in response to the question, “What should I do?” Kant responds that we must act rationally and in accordance with universal moral law.
Kant also contended that his ethical theory necessitates belief in free will, God, and soul immortality. Although we cannot know these things, reflection on moral law leads to a justified belief in them, which is equivalent to rational faith. As a result, in response to the question, “What can I hope for?” Kant responds that we can hope that our souls are immortal and that there is a God who created the world in accordance with justice principles.
Kant made lasting contributions to nearly all areas of philosophy, in addition to these three focal points. His aesthetic theory is still widely used by art critics. Many branches of analytic philosophy require him to read his theory of knowledge. His political theory’s cosmopolitanism colors discussions of globalization and international relations. Some of his scientific contributions are even thought to be intellectual forerunners to several ideas in modern cosmology.
This article provides an overview of Kant’s most important philosophical contributions, as well as others. It follows standard citation guidelines for Kant’s works. In both the 1781 and 1787 editions, passages from Critique of Pure Reason are cited by page number. As a result, “(A805/B833)” refers to page 805 of the 1781 edition and page 833 of the 1787 edition. References to Kant’s other works refer to the volume and page number of the official Deutsche Akademie editions. Thus, “(5:162)” refers to volume 5 of those editions, page 162.
