Revisiting Kant’s Philosophy of History in the Light of Climate Change

Abstract

Abstract This article presents a systematic reexamination of key tenets of Kant’s philosophy of history, with particular focus on their implications for future generations in the context of anthropogenic climate change. I argue for the continuing relevance of Kant’s philosophy by showing that its account of history not only sheds light on current debates but also resonates with and, at times, is tacitly presupposed by contemporary discussions in political philosophy and climate ethics. The argument unfolds along two lines. The first examines what may be described as dogmatic attitudes toward the future, whereas the second highlights the interconnected roles of temporal cosmopolitanism and rational hope in responding to the challenges posed by the climate crisis.