Single Idea 18658

[catalogued under 16. Persons / E. Rejecting the Self / 2. Self as Social Construct]

Full Idea

The 'Kantian' view of the self strongly defends the view that the self is prior to its socially given roles and relationships, and is free only if it is capable of holding these features of its social situation at a distance, and judging them by reason.

Gist of Idea

The 'Kantian' self steps back from commitment to its social situation

Source

Will Kymlicka (Contemporary Political Philosophy (1st edn) [1990], 6.3)

Book Reference

Kymlicka,Will: 'Contemporary Political Philosophy (1st edn)' [OUP 1992], p.207


A Reaction

There is no correct answer here, because I am capable of Kantian distancing, and also capable of submersing myself in the social constructions around me. If society fosters rebellion (1810s, 1960s) then we become more Kantian.

Related Idea

Idea 18659 The 'Kantian' view of the self misses the way it is embedded or situated in society [Kymlicka]