Kantian Realms: Navigating the Intersection of Law, Morality, and Governance

Abstract

Immanuel Kant is often regarded as one of the most significant moral thinkers in Western history due to his profound thoughts on politics and justice. This is not solely attributable to his substantial contributions to the field of ethics. Kant’s conviction that political systems should be based on reason-derived principles of fairness closely ties his political theory with his moral philosophy. Kant’s work endeavours to establish a moral framework for politics, grounded in individual autonomy, the categorical imperative, and the rule of law. Ultimately, his understanding of human dignity aligns with his notion of justice, which is all-encompassing, reasonable, and universally applicable. Kant’s foundation for justice, as articulated in ‘Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals’ and ‘The Metaphysics of Morals,’ exemplifies his deontological ethical framework, which prioritizes responsibility, rights, and the moral law. Kant’s political philosophy focuses on the notion of a just society, which requires that both individuals and states act in accordance with universal principles. This essay examines the political and judicial framework developed by Kant. Significant emphasis is placed on Kant’s views concerning the social compact, republicanism, cosmopolitanism, and the notion of permanent peace.