Description
Book SynopsisThe historical period of the Enlightenment is usually thought of as the high point of philosophical optimism. By breaking the chains of traditional heteronomous morality, the tutelage of dogmatic religion and the oppression of authoritarian politics, the Enlightenment created the space for a new, self-critical and autonomous frame of reference for human effort. Immanuel Kant is undoubtedly the greatest philosopher in the German Enlightenment. And Kant was a pessimist? In this book, the author explores Kant's moral and religious philosophy and shows that a pessimistic undercurrent pervades these. This provides a new vantage point not only to assess comprehensively Kantian philosophy but also to provide much needed context and reading assistance to the general premises of Kant's philosophy of autonomy and rationality. For Kant, to be autonomous and rational is not something human nature naturally pursues; instead, reason but must reframe, rethink and reshape human nature. Human nature is
Trade ReviewVanden Auweele has authored an important work on Kant’s philosophy of religion. It brings Kant into conservation with both 19th-century German philosophy as well as abiding themes in Christian theology. Scholars with interest in Kant, his impact Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, as well as how Lutheran and Lutheran Pietist themes shaped Kant’s thought will find this a stimulating and informative book. -- Lawrence Pasternack, Oklahoma State University
This engaging book makes a very persuasive case for a significant current of pessimism in Kant’s philosophy. It reveals a kind of rip current in his thought to which rationalistic readers of Kant are often innocent and which can carry one to surprising shores. Dennis Vanden Auweele has a superb knowledge of Kant’s entire work and an enviable familiarity with an impressive range of commentators. More than that, his handling of the theme brings to life the human dimensions of Kant’s thought, in all their subtlety. Kant is much more than an easy rationalistic optimist, and Vanden Auweele navigates the darker streams of his work in the moral and religious writings, especially in connection with evil. The book is also praiseworthy for its mature way of illuminating Kant by way of well-informed dialogue with figures like Luther, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. This is an important and worthy contribution to the study of Kant. Very warmly recommended. -- William Desmond, David Cook Chair in Philosophy, Villanova University; Thomas A.F. Kelly Visiting Chair in Philosophy, Maynooth University, Ireland; and professor of philosophy emeritus, Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven, Belgium
The nineteenth-century pessimists Schopenhauer and Nietzsche are usually read as polar opposites of Kant, the eighteenth-century champion of Enlightenment and human progress. But in this intriguing study, Dennis Vanden Auweele argues that much of the pessimism of the former is already present in the latter. Relying primarily but by no means exclusively on Kant’s philosophy of religion, Vanden Auweele locates Kant’s pessimism in his “dreary perspective on human nature.” The result is a darker Kant than many of us were raised on, but one that is not easy to dismiss. -- Robert B. Louden, University of Southern Maine
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Pessimism, Theodicy and The Protestant Factor Chapter 2: Grounding Morality in Duty and Autonomy Chapter 3: Motivating Morality by Respect Chapter 4: Natural (In)Aptitude for Morality Interlude: The Problem of Moral Motivation Chapter 5: Religious Assistance through Moral Education Chapter 6: Kantian Christianity, Sincerity and Pessimism Conclusion: Where does a Kantian pessimism lead?
