Kant's concept of historical progress

Abstract

<p>This thesis offers an analysis of Kant's later works in an effort to elucidate the harmony and theoretical reciprocity governing the relationship between his political philosophy, his philosophy of history and philosophy of religion. In the first chapter, a study of Kant's political writings sets out the specific problem that his concept of historical progress is designed to overcome. Chapter Two is an exposition of the philosophy of history in general an an evolution of Kant's concept of progress insofar as it fulfills its assigned task. Chapter Three moves beyond the political and historical writings and enters into the domain of Kant's philosophy of religion. This section represents an attempt to determine whether or not Kant develops any further the arguments abot progress originally found in the other works. Finally, it will be shown that although the concept of historical progress is also a prominent theme in Kant's philosophy of religion, his overall view of the relationship between history and morality has undergone some interesting modifications.</p>