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Series:   Elements in the Philosophy of Immanuel Kant

Kant on Social Suffering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2025

Nuria Sánchez Madrid
Nuria Sánchez Madrid
Affiliation:
Complutense University of Madrid

Summary

This Element analyses how Kant's practical philosophy approaches social suffering, while also taking into account the elusiveness of this concept in his work, especially when viewed through a contemporary lens. It claims that Kant's theory of human dignity is a vital tool for detecting social structures in need of improvement, even if the high demands it imposes on the subject show a propensity to conceal situations of domination and oppression. In his writings, Kant investigated various societal challenges such as widespread poverty, duties towards animals, care for the mentally ill, and motherhood out of wedlock, suggesting that the state should solve most of these through financial support from the wealthier segments of society. Although the direct testimony of victims of social suffering does not play a role in Kant's approach, the author holds that he views social interdependence – including, notably, non-humans – as a fundamental commitment underpinning human development.
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Keywords

social sufferingdominationoppressionexploitationgender discrimination

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Element
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Series: Elements in the Philosophy of Immanuel Kant
Online ISBN: 9781009446457
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 31 August 2025

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