Kant’s Philosophy: Historical Context and Modern Relevance
1. Context: History, Philosophy, and Culture
Historical Context
Immanuel Kant’s life (1724-1804) spanned most of the 18th century, coinciding with the decline of absolute monarchy and the rise of enlightened despotism following the Peace of Westphalia (1648). Europe underwent a profound transformation, with political action increasingly grounded in science and reason, albeit still authoritarian.
Prussia, Kant’s homeland, was a prime example of enlightened monarchy. After the ‘soldier king,’ known for his military reforms, came the ‘philosopher king,’ a contemporary of Kant.
Cultural Context
The emergence of the bourgeoisie, a powerful new social class engaged in national and international trade, necessitated higher education levels. This fostered a new culture based on advancements in physics, chemistry, medicine, botany, zoology, and mathematics. These sciences relied on reason and fueled the innovations of the Industrial Revolution.
Philosophical Context
The recognition of reason as a universal language and an autonomous power in every individual came through several channels:
- The Protestant Reformation, which encouraged independent thought.
- Descartes’ philosophy, which sought to explain the world through a single, rational principle.
- The scientific discoveries of Galileo and Newton, which established a new mathematical science.
Reason became a liberating alternative to tradition and dogma. The bourgeoisie and the working class saw reason as central to their emancipation from the aristocracy and clergy, who upheld the established order as divinely ordained.
3. Kant’s Philosophy: Comparisons and Critique
Comparison with Karl Marx
While Kant believed rationality is inherent in human nature and a goal to strive for, Marx considered this an idealistic view, detached from real-life circumstances. Kant, a wealthy man of the middle class, generalized his privileged experience. Marx highlighted the role of ideology, arguing that seemingly rational arguments often conceal class interests. He suggested that Kant’s rational system might be influenced by his middle-class perspective and political views.
In essence, Marx acknowledged rationality as a fundamental human goal but argued it is more challenging to achieve than Kant envisioned.
Personal Assessment
Kant recognized the value of reason in validating our views and fostering mutual understanding through shared logic. We should strive for rationality, even though it is difficult. Education is crucial for human development and achieving rationality.
Kant’s work addresses two key issues: duty as an objective law, dictated by reason, and the human capacity to act against reason, despite knowing the consequences. For example, an alcoholic may continue drinking despite understanding its harmful effects.
Relevance Today
Contemporary thought acknowledges that humans are beings of both reason and emotion, a perspective developed by Spanish philosopher Xavier Zubiri. Kant’s focus on rationality alone has been somewhat superseded.
However, Kant’s ideas remain relevant in intercultural relations. For instance, understanding between different cultures, such as Muslims and non-Muslims, requires a common language based on logic, which is universal to all humans. According to Kant, goodwill and reason can facilitate agreements valid for everyone.