Immanuel Kant and the Fall of Humanity

3 Commentsby   |  10.04.13  |  Second Blog Post

Kant regards human experience as purely subjective, this however is not taught through the writing of those living in Christ, therefore we are able to rule out the concepts of Creation and Redemption.  This line of thought leads us to believe that Kant’s philosophy relates more closely to the Fall of humanity.  While explaining his categorical imperative he stated “I should never act except in such a way that I can also will that my maxim should become a universal law”.  This idea that one man’s idea of right and wrong should become a staple in society shows the downfall of humanity.  For example, if an individual believed that it was right to rid the world of his perception of “evil men”, there would be world wide chaos.  This is evident in many cases of religious cleansing and genocide around the world.  One man’s experience can change the world for good or for evil.  However, it has been historically proven that the evil that resides in men due to the Fall overcomes the good within the soul.  It is said that the road to hell is paved with good intention.  So even if the maxim one man holds to, comes from a place of good intent, mass destruction and evil would prevail.  Therefore Kant’s utopian ideal of universal maxim’s prove to be ineffective and can even lead to the downfall of mankind, providing a link to the Fall of Humanity.

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3 Comments

  1. Hillary Richardson
    11:59 am, 10.05.13

    Kant was all about the sins of man. I think that he fits perfectly with the fall. According to Kant, humanity has its downfalls. These seem to be common in our past, present, and future. It seems that Kant emphasizes evil more than good. This is why it fits so well with the fall. I really enjoyed reading your post and I agree with it very much!

  2. Zach Stromberg
    4:04 pm, 10.05.13

    Great point about Kant. This idea of the fall of man is so prevalent in regards to so many thinkers. Because he even questions good and evil, and the intention of man, that points him in the direction of belief that man has fallen from perfection. Humanity certainly has downfalls, and Kant recognizes that. This whole idea of good and evil really sets a precedent for many thinkers throughout history.

  3. Meredith Thornton
    5:15 pm, 10.06.13

    I like your logic here. I wrote about Kant too, and I recognized his fit with the fall and think that it makes sense. However, I think he can also fit into some of the other theological categories, such as redemption and creation. You should read my post, I would love to hear what you think!

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