About the common saying: That may be correct in theory, but it is not suitable for practice

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About the common saying: That may be correct in theory, but not suitable for practice is a treatise by the German philosopher Immanuel Kant published in 1793 .

History and structure

The text appeared in September 1793 in the Berlin monthly journal published by Johann Erich Biester . In it, Kant responds to Christian Garve's criticism of his ethics . Garve had accused Kant that his ethics were too abstract and not practical, since they set up unconditional duties that take no account of feelings .

Kant expands his answer in a second and third part with explanations on political philosophy in relation to constitutional law, entitled ("Against Hobbes ") and in relation to international law, with the subtitle "Against Moses Mendelssohn ".

content

Kant justifies his approach, out of pure reason, to develop rules a priori , and emphasizes that these rules of reason have clearly defined relationships to sentiments in ethics (Part I), political tradition (Part II) and national interests in politics (Part III) have. Duty is not intended to replace the natural drives of action, but to regulate them so that they can be appropriately pursued. As a mediating force between theory and practice, however, additional practical rules must not be assumed, because these always only complete the theory. Instead, the power of judgment makes the transition.

Part I: In Morality (versus Garve)

The answer of every child to the question of whether an estate administrator should return the inheritance to the ignorant, correct heir, even if the inheritance is rich and lavish, but he himself is poor and sensible, shows that the practice of morality is well matched to the theory of morality . Immoral behavior (against one's own duty) carries much higher penalties than illegal behavior. This gives man a very strong understanding of what is moral. What has been learned once (theoretically) about morality therefore always applies to practical understanding.

Part II: In constitutional law (against Hobbes)

Only a civil constitution is a contract between free people. It consists of 1. Freedom, i. H. every person may seek happiness in his own way, 2. equality, d. H. every person has the same rights and opportunities (except for the head of state), no inheritance rights, and 3. independence, d. H. Citizens must be able to determine their laws themselves (through representatives). The original contract ( social contract ) was once concluded by the people (thought). The people have no right of resistance when their happiness is at stake, because the higher goal is law. In return, the leader may not pass any law that restricts the freedom, equality or independence of the people (may not violate the original contract). But even if he violates it, the people have no right to resistance, as they would lead themselves into a lawless state. However, citizens have freedom of expression and freedom of publication.

Part III: In international law (against Mendelssohn)

Kant accepts Mendelssohn that humanity is making moral progress for the better. One has to accept that, because that is what people live, work, learn, educate and teach for. The more of the good there is, the more powerful it becomes and in the end it can suppress evil. The good is self-sustaining. Many would laugh at the idea of ​​the League of Nations as a beautiful but not practicable theory; Kant, on the other hand, emphasizes here the possibility of their realizability.

literature

  • Immanuel Kant: About the common saying: That may be correct in theory, but not suitable for practice. / On Eternal Peace: A Philosophical Draft. With an introduction edited by Heiner F. Klemme. Meiner, Hamburg 1992

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Kant, edition of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin 1900ff, AA VIII, 278 .
  2. ^ Kant, edition of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin 1900ff, AA VIII, 289 .
  3. ^ Kant, edition of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin 1900ff, AA VIII, 307 .
  4. ^ Kant, edition of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin 1900ff, AA VIII, 275 .