Kant, Religion, and Politics

An innovative analysis of Kant's philosophy that shows how his rethinking of religion is intertwined with ethical and political autonomy.

James DiCenso (Author)

9781107613959, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 July 2013

304 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.41 kg

"...This groundbreaking interpretation should prompt many new studies about the relevance of Kant's "Copernican revolution," furnishing both sides in the controversy about the Enlightenment and its critics with abundant textual evidence, splendidly repositioned in light of recent debates about autonomy and intellectual responsibility.... Highly recommended..."
–J. G. Moore, Lander University, CHOICE

This book offers a systematic examination of the place of religion within Kant's major writings. Kant is often thought to be highly reductionistic with regard to religion - as though religion simply provides the unsophisticated with colourful representations of moral lessons that reason alone could grasp. James DiCenso's rich and innovative discussion shows how Kant's theory of religion in fact emerges directly from his epistemology, ethics and political theory, and how it serves his larger political and ethical projects of restructuring institutions and modifying political attitudes towards greater autonomy. It also illustrates the continuing relevance of Kant's ideas for addressing issues of religion and politics that remain pressing in the contemporary world, such as just laws, transparency in the public sphere and other ethical and political concerns. The book will be valuable for a wide range of readers who are interested in Kant's thought.

1. Introduction: on religion, ethics, and the political in Kant
2. Religion, politics, enlightenment
3. Knowledge and experience
4. Illusions of metaphysics and theology
5. Autonomy and judgment in Kant's ethics
6. Ethics and politics in Kant's religion.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD]