Why Immanuel Kant's philosophy failed to embrace racial equality
In short: Researchers examining the works of Immanuel Kant found that the philosopher did not undergo a shift toward racial egalitarianism in the 1790s. While some narratives suggest he moved away from racist views to condemn chattel slavery, a closer look at his texts suggests his critiques were not based on the humanity of enslaved people.
The study re-evaluates the idea that Kant's later writings represent a moral pivot against slavery. By contextualizing his arguments, the research suggests his concerns were actually about how slavery might destabilize European peace and labor practices, rather than an explicit recognition of racial equality. This analysis highlights how his broader philosophy of history and views on natural slavery shaped his silence on the moral status of enslaved populations.
Why it matters: Understanding Kant's views requires looking at his broader philosophy of history, not just isolated passages.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Luadler (2022). Kant and Slavery—Or Why He Never Became a Racial Egalitarian. Critical Philosophy of Race.
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