Kant and the Problem of Politics: Rethinking the Contemporary World

This book explores the relevance of Kant's political philosophy in contemporary debates, focusing on themes such as freedom of speech, democracy, populism, intergenerational justice, economic inequality, money, poverty, international justice, and gender/feminism. It offers insights into these issues by engaging with Kant's writings and unorthodox approaches to his philosophy, appealing to scholars and researchers in philosophy, politics, and ethics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the profound significance of Kant's political philosophy in the realm of contemporary philosophical and political discourse. Over the past few decades, scholars specializing in Kantian philosophy have shown a growing tendency towards a purely exegetic and philological approach to Kant's works, while contemporary philosophers and scientists often employ Kant's ideas with little hermeneutical attention, leading to misrepresentations or misunderstandings of his positions. In response to these tendencies, this volume aims to redirect attention towards specific themes of contemporary relevance in Kant's writings. By exploring Kant's political thought, the book seeks to provide insights into addressing pressing issues such as freedom of speech, democracy and populism, intergenerational justice, economic inequality, money, poverty, international justice, and gender/feminism.

Featuring readings by renowned Kant specialists and emerging scholars who adopt unconventional approaches to Kant's philosophy, the volume fills a significant gap in the existing scholarship on the philosopher and his works. It will be of immense interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, politics, and ethics.

The significance of Kant's political philosophy in the context of contemporary debates cannot be overstated. His ideas have shaped the philosophical and political landscape for centuries, and their relevance continues to be felt today. Kant's emphasis on the importance of individual freedom, the role of reason in shaping moral judgments, and the notion of a cosmopolitan world order have inspired generations of thinkers and activists.

However, as noted earlier, there have been tendencies in recent years to overlook or misread Kant's political philosophy. Some scholars have focused solely on the exegetical and philological aspects of Kant's works, neglecting the broader hermeneutical implications of his ideas. This has led to a misrepresentation of Kant's positions on issues such as freedom of speech, democracy, and gender equality.

In contrast, this volume seeks to rectify these tendencies by placing greater emphasis on specific themes of contemporary relevance in Kant's writings. By exploring these themes, the book aims to provide insights into how Kant's political philosophy can be applied to address the challenges facing our society today. For example, Kant's ideas on freedom of speech can be used to defend the right to free expression and the right to a fair trial, while his concept of democracy can be used to promote inclusive and representative governance. Similarly, Kant's insights into intergenerational justice can be used to address issues of climate change and environmental degradation, while his critiques of economic inequality can be used to advocate for social and economic policies that promote equality and justice.

Furthermore, this volume features readings by both established Kant specialists and emerging scholars who bring fresh perspectives to Kant's philosophy. These scholars employ unconventional approaches to Kant's ideas, challenging traditional interpretations and offering new insights into his political thought. By engaging with these diverse perspectives, the book encourages readers to re-examine Kant's political philosophy from new angles and to consider its relevance to contemporary debates.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of political philosophy. By focusing on specific themes of contemporary relevance in Kant's writings, it seeks to rectify the tendencies towards exegetic and philological approaches and misrepresentations of his positions. Through readings by renowned Kant specialists and emerging scholars with unorthodox approaches, the volume provides insights into how Kant's political philosophy can be applied to address the challenges facing our society today. It will be of great interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, politics, and ethics.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367471576