The Noumenal Republic: Critical Constructivism After Kant

All human beings are born with equal dignity and possess equal rights, but a critical analysis of society and politics must show the extent to which the reality of power and ideology makes a mockery of this constructivist conception of dignity. Rainer Forst's book provides a new systematic account of concepts such as alienation, progress and regression, solidarity, human rights, justice, power and non-domination to bridge the gap between unworldly idealism and practical hopelessness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2024
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

All human beings are born with equal dignity and possess equal rights, a statement that appears normatively just as irrefutable as it is empirically refuted every day. However, what are the grounds of this principle, and how should we think about its realization? Its philosophical truth can best be explained by going back to (and beyond) Kant's notion of a 'noumenal republic in which every person is an equal co-author of the laws that bind all. At the same time, a critical analysis of society and politics must show the extent to which the reality of power and ideology makes a mockery of this constructivist conception of dignity. To bridge the gap between unworldly idealism and practical hopelessness, we need a critical theory after Kant.

Rainer Forst, one of the world's most influential political philosophers, works to develop just such a theory in this powerful and illuminating volume. It contains no less than a new systematic account of concepts such as alienation, progress and regression, solidarity, human rights, justice, power, and non-domination.

The concept of alienation is central to Forst's theory. He argues that modern societies are characterized by a profound sense of alienation, which is caused by the separation of individuals from their social and political context. This separation leads to a loss of meaning and purpose in life, as well as a sense of powerlessness and disempowerment.

To address this sense of alienation, Forst proposes a concept of progress. He argues that progress is not just a linear process of improvement, but rather a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involves both social and individual transformation. Progress can be achieved through the development of new technologies, the expansion of social and political rights, and the promotion of social and economic equality.

However, Forst also recognizes that progress can be hindered by a variety of factors, including economic inequality, political repression, and cultural conservatism. To overcome these obstacles, Forst proposes a concept of regression. He argues that regression can occur when societies that promote social and economic equality are undermined by factors such as economic inequality, political repression, and cultural conservatism.

Solidarity is another key concept in Forst's theory. He argues that solidarity is essential for the realization of human rights. Solidarity involves a sense of shared identity and common purpose, as well as a commitment to social and political change. Solidarity can be achieved through the development of social movements.

Human rights are also a central concept in Forst's theory. He argues that human rights are not just a legal or moral construct, but rather a fundamental aspect of human existence. Human rights include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the right to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Justice is another key concept in Forst's theory. He argues that justice is essential for the realization of human rights. Justice involves the fair and equitable distribution of resources and power, as well as the protection of individual rights and freedoms from harm.

Power is another key concept in Forst's theory. He argues that power is essential for the realization of human rights. Power can be exercised in a variety of ways, including political, economic, and cultural. Power can be used to promote social and economic equality, or to oppress and marginalize individuals and groups.

Non-domination is another key concept in Forst's theory. He argues that non-domination is essential for the realization of human rights. Non-domination involves the absence of dominance and subordination, as well as the recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals and groups.

In conclusion, Rainer Forst's theory of alienation, progress, solidarity, human rights, justice, power, and non-domination is a powerful and illuminating volume that provides a new systematic account of these key concepts. By developing a critical theory after Kant, Forst seeks to bridge the gap between unworldly idealism and practical hopelessness, and to provide a framework for the realization of human rights in modern societies.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509562268