Single Idea 21406

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / e. Philosophy as reason]

Full Idea

Considered objectively, there can only be one human reason, there cannot be many philosophies; in other words, there can only be one true philosophy from principles, in however many conflicting ways men have philosophised about the same proposition.

Gist of Idea

Because there is only one human reason, there can only be one true philosophy from principles

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals I: Doctrine of Right [1797], Pref)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.36


A Reaction

An idea that embodies the Enlightenment ideal. I like the idea that there is one true philosophy, because there is only one world. Kant is talking of philosophy 'from principles', which means his transendental idealism.