Kant’s Critique of Plato and the Politics of Critical Philosophy

• In Event: Ancient and Medieval Connections to Modern Thought

Abstract

In 1795 Johann Georg Schlosser published the first German translation of Plato’s Letters, accompanied by a commentary that attacked the “critical” attitudes arising in Germany. Kant responded to this criticism in On a Recently Prominent Tone of Superiority in Philosophy, which discusses, among other things, the conservative impulse to return to the wisdom of the ancients. This initiated a polemical exchange in which Schlosser claimed that Kant “emasculated reason” to which Kant responded with Proclamation of the Imminent Conclusion of a Treaty of Perpetual Peace in Philosophy. These two essays address a question at the heart of political philosophy—the proper relationship of the philosopher and the polis. Given the centrality of Plato to these polemics, I argue that the primary target of these attacks is Plato and not Schlosser. These essays show Kant debating Plato on the proper role of philosophy in public life. Plato’s rhetorical caution has the unintended consequence of forming a school of Platonists who adopt a “superior tone” in philosophy, refusing to engage in dialogue with any who do not share their premises. Kant claims this is the death of philosophy. By contrast, the critical philosophy engages in the public defense of morality. Kant argues that such a defense is a central task of philosophy and is at the heart of political philosophy. In this way, Kant defends his Enlightenment project against the claims of classical political thought.

Author

• Nicholas Anderson, Harvard University