Kant's Philosophy

After having refuted every theoretical theology which tries to have cognition of God in himself and to prove him, Kant creates a moral theology: If there is no God and no life after death, then he who acts morally and...

Besides theoretical theology, which tries to cognize and prove God, there can also be a practical theology which only tries to cognize what God is for us and how we should behave towards him and which does not strive...

Nature around us seems too purposive and harmonic to be a product of chance. Physicotheology starts from the order of nature and from that deduces its divine originator and his attributes. This is the most natural, most...

A sub field of rational theology, in which we try to have cognition of God through reason and without the help of any revelation, is transcendental theology. In this field all experience is transcended and we think...

The philosopher does not do revealed theology which presupposes believe in some divine revelation, but tries to have cognition of God through reason alone. Here he is met with the difficulty of how the finite creature...

While religion is practical, theology is theoretical: A person's theology is the sum of the statements on God he considers to be true. These statements however theology can take from revelation or from reason. And here...

All moral action is working towards the realization of the highest good: A world in which people have happiness while also deserving it. But it is Kant's accomplishment to have shown two things: The highest good doesn't...

Most people seek a passive happiness: Resting, indulging, receiving pleasure. Kant however is aware that there is also an active happiness: Being active, creating, bringing forth meaning. Quote: 0:08 Kant teaches mostly...

In theoretical regard Kant dismisses the idealism that declares the world to be a mere illusion. Practically, however, we should act as if it was true: We should consider the brevity and vanity of life, treat the world...

Each inclination is a chain. It binds us to the objects which we need for satisfying it. And the more we satisfy it the more we become dependent on it through habit and also get numb towards the pleasure. Whoever wants...

People's misery mostly doesn't come from outside difficulties or blows of fate but from them letting things affect their mood too much and being too sensitive. Against this Kant advises a stoic equanimity: Allowing no...

A person should tame their affections and passions. This is a moral duty, for through them you harm others but also lose your own reason and through this your freedom and your human dignity. It however is also advised...

For a long time practical philosophy was considered the doctrine of the good life and of happiness. Morality was often considered a part of this or also a means to reach happiness. Kant's accomplishment lies in having...

Kant's position towards animals is often attacked but usually completely misunderstood. According to him we don't have duties towards animals but still duties in regards to animals. From the standpoint of right they are...

The state of nature is a war of all against all. Only public right can create perpetual peace. There must be laws which secure for each his own, and these laws must be binding and enforced. States right is supposed to...