Kant and the Problem of Politics: Rethinking the Contemporary World

This book explores the relevance of Kant's political philosophy in contemporary debates, highlighting its insights into freedom of speech, democracy, populism, intergenerational justice, economic inequality, money, poverty, international justice, and gender/feminism. It counteracts the tendency to misrepresent or misunderstand Kant's positions by focusing on specific themes of contemporary relevance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
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 and solutions to 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, this 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 book begins by providing an overview of Kant's political philosophy, highlighting its central themes and ideas. It then explores how these themes continue to resonate in contemporary debates, providing a fresh perspective on issues that have been the subject of much discussion and contention.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the concept of freedom. Kant argued that freedom is not merely the absence of external constraints but the ability to act according to one's own rational principles. He believed that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals and desires as long as they do not harm others. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by contemporary forms of freedom, such as freedom of speech and the rise of populism. It questions whether these forms of freedom are truly liberating or whether they can be used to undermine democratic values and promote discrimination.

Another important theme is democracy. Kant believed that democracy is the best form of government because it allows individuals to participate in the decision-making process and have a say in their own governance. However, the book also explores the challenges faced by contemporary democracies, such as the rise of authoritarianism, the decline of civic engagement, and the need for greater social and economic equality. It questions whether democratic institutions can be reformed to address these challenges and ensure that all individuals have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Intergenerational justice is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that individuals have a moral obligation to care for future generations and that society should prioritize the well-being of future generations over the interests of current generations. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by intergenerational inequality, such as climate change and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and ensure that future generations are not left behind.

Economic inequality is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that economic inequality is harmful to both individuals and society as a whole. He believed that individuals should have equal access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive, regardless of their social status or economic background. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by economic inequality, such as income inequality, job insecurity, and the lack of access to healthcare and education. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater economic equality.

Money and poverty are also themes explored in the book. Kant argued that money should be used as a means of promoting social welfare and that individuals should not be motivated solely by financial gain. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by money and poverty, such as economic instability, social exclusion, and the lack of access to basic necessities. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater financial stability and social inclusion.

International justice is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that individuals have a moral obligation to treat others with respect and dignity and that states should cooperate to promote peace and justice in the world. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by international justice, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the refugee crisis, and the lack of accountability for human rights. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater international cooperation and justice.

Gender/feminism is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that women should be treated as equal to men and that gender should not be used as a basis for discrimination or inequality. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by gender/feminism, such as gender-based violence, gender-based discrimination, and the lack of representation of women in political and social institutions. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater gender equality and social inclusion.

In conclusion, this book delves into the profound significance of Kant's political philosophy in the realm of contemporary philosophical and political discourse. By exploring specific themes of contemporary relevance in Kant's writings, the book seeks to provide insights and solutions to pressing issues that have been the subject
This book delves into the profound significance of Kant's political philosophy in the realm of contemporary philosophical and political discourse. By exploring specific themes of contemporary relevance in Kant's writings, the book seeks to provide insights and solutions to pressing issues that have been the subject of much discussion and contention.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the concept of freedom. Kant argued that freedom is not merely the absence of external constraints but the ability to act according to one's own rational principles. He believed that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals and desires as long as they do not harm others. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by contemporary forms of freedom, such as freedom of speech and the rise

Another important theme is democracy. Kant believed that democracy is the best form of government because it allows individuals to participate in the decision-making process and have a say in their own governance. However, the book also explores the challenges faced by contemporary democracies, such as the rise of authoritarianism, the decline of civic engagement, and the need for greater social and economic equality. It questions whether democratic institutions can be reformed to address these challenges and ensure that all individuals have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Intergenerational justice is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that individuals have a moral obligation to care for future generations and that society should prioritize the well-being of future generations over the interests of current generations. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by intergenerational inequality, such as climate change and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and ensure that future generations are not left behind.

Economic inequality is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that economic inequality is harmful to both individuals and society as a whole. He believed that individuals should have equal access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive, regardless of their social status or economic background. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by economic inequality, such as income inequality, job insecurity, and the lack of access to healthcare and education. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater economic equality.

Money and poverty are also themes explored in the book. Kant argued that money should be used as a means of promoting social welfare and that individuals should not be motivated solely by financial gain. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by money and poverty, such as economic instability, social exclusion, and the lack of access to basic necessities. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater financial stability and social inclusion.

International justice is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that individuals have a moral obligation to treat others with respect and dignity and that states should cooperate to promote peace and justice in the world. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by international justice, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the refugee crisis, and the lack of accountability for human rights. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater international cooperation and justice.

Gender/feminism is another theme explored in the book. Kant argued that women should be treated as equal to men and that gender should not be used as a basis for discrimination or inequality. However, the book also examines the challenges posed by gender/feminism, such as gender-based violence, gender-based discrimination, and the lack of representation of women in political and social institutions. It questions whether there are effective policies and practices that can be implemented to address these issues and promote greater gender equality and social inclusion.

In conclusion, this book delves into the profound significance of Kant's political philosophy in the realm of contemporary philosophical and political discourse. By exploring specific themes of contemporary relevance in Kant's writings, the book seeks to provide insights and solutions to pressing issues that have been the subject of much discussion and contention.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032289403