Kant and the Politics of Racism: Towards Kant's racialised form of cosmopolitan right

This book explores Kant's racial theory as a central part of his philosophical anthropology in his political system, arguing that it is integral to the analysis of the "Charakteristik" of the human species and determined by human natural predispositions. It provides answers to questions about Kant's philosophy, political thought, and the influence of his racial hierarchy on his cosmopolitan right, revealing him as a fundamental racist thinker.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 285 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the intricate relationship between Kant's theory of race and his political system, positioning it as a central component of philosophical anthropology. According to the author, Kant's theory of race plays a crucial role in understanding the "Charakteristik" of the human species, shaped by inherent human natural predispositions. By examining Kant's theory in this light, the book offers an alternative interpretation to the conventional narrative and highlights the fundamental significance of human natural predispositions in his philosophy.

The impact of Kant's racial theory on his philosophy and political thought is a central theme explored in the book. It examines whether Kant can be considered a consistent egalitarian or a partisan Universalist thinker, considering the influence of his racial hierarchy on his cosmopolitan right. The book also addresses the question of whether Kant is a symbol of racist prejudices of his time or whether his racial hierarchy has a more complex and nuanced interpretation.

Through a systematic examination of Kant's relevant writings, the book provides answers to these questions and sheds light on two fundamental problems of his theory of race for moral philosophy. Firstly, it examines the completeness of the character of the White race, raising questions about the exclusion of other races from this characterization. Secondly, it explores the dispossession of the character of the beauty and the dignity of human nature of the Negro race, highlighting the negative implications of Kant's race thinking.

These issues, which may have been overlooked in traditional readings, are uncovered through the "heterodox" reading approach adopted by the book. The author argues that these two problems not only shape Kant's race thinking from the beginning to the end of his life but also transform his cosmopolitan right into a non-universalist form of right. Furthermore, they define Kant as a fundamental racist thinker, as he developed the anthropology, philosophy, and politics of racism in a systematic way.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of Kant's theory of race and its implications for his philosophy and political thought. It challenges traditional interpretations and sheds light on the underlying centrality of human natural predispositions in Kant's philosophy. By examining the impact of his racial theory, the book provides valuable insights into the complexities of his thought and its relevance to contemporary discussions on race and ethics.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030691035
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021