Kant and Human Dignity

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was impressed but unconvinced by Hume’s sceptical philosophy. He had strong Protestant faith and an immensely original mind which led him to seek an entire ‘critical’ revolution in thought. He argued everything we know arises from our experience, & our experience is shaped by our senses and must conform to the limits of finite human understanding. For example, humans have to think in terms of space and time: these do not exist ‘in themselves’ but are brought by us to things when we experience them. Though difficult, Kant’s views on reality, knowledge and God are essential reading for everyone interested in philosophy.

No Christian before Kant had really explained human dignity. Whereas objects have a ‘price’ & are replaceable, persons have ‘dignity’ & are irreplaceable. The moral life is a rational life in which persons approach each other as subjects of dignity or ‘ends in themselves’ & not just means to other people’s ends. On this basis philosophers have argued against slavery, lying, violence & ridicule. Today Kantian thinkers are at the forefront of human rights thinking, accept some absolute moral norms and are valued allies of Catholic philosophers.