Kant’s Cosmopolitan Theory of Law and Peace

Kant is widely acknowledged for his critique of theoretical reason, his universalistic ethics, and his aesthetics. Scholars, however, often ignore his achievements in the philosophy of law and government. At least four innovations that are still relevant today can be attributed to Kant. He is the first thinker, and to date the only great thinker, to have elevated the concept of peace to the status of a foundational concept of philosophy. Kant links this concept to the political innovation of his time, a republic devoted to human rights. He extends the concept by adding to it the right of nations and cosmopolitan law. Finally, Kant democratizes Plato’s notion of philosopher kings with a concept of ‘kingly people’. This book examines all aspects of this important, but neglected, body of Kant’s writings.

• Provides new insights on the status of peace in Kant’s political philosophy • Takes a fresh look at the alleged incompatibility of Aristotelian and Kantian philosophy • Offers a new perspective on basic notions such as evil, the pre-conditions of the legal subject, and the relationship of law, morality, and natural law

Preface; Part I. Morals: 1. Kant’s challenge and relevance today; 2. Aristotle instead of Kant?; 3. Universalistic ethics and the faculty of judgment; 4. On evil; Part II. Right and Morals: 5. Kant’s more nuanced approach; 6. The moral concept of right and law; 7. Categorical imperatives of right according to Ulpian; Part III. Legal Morals and Peace: 8. The neglected ideal; 9. The Idea: the progress of law; 10 Peace I: are Republics peaceable?; 11. Peace II: federation of peoples or world republic?; 12. The Critique of Pure Reason: a cosmo-political reading.