Perpetual Peace: A Philosophic Essay (Hastie Translation)


Read by D.E. Wittkower

(4.6 stars; 35 reviews)

This essay, written in 1795, puts forth a plan for a lasting peace between nations and peoples. Kant puts forth necessary means to any peace, and argues that nations can be brought into federation with one another without loss of sovereignty. In one translation, telling of the historical impact of this essay, this federation is called a “league of nations.”

The supplements and appendices are of considerable interest on their own. The supplements contain an argument regarding the use which nature makes of war, and the way in which nature, in the end, impels us towards peace. The appendices return to the question of whether his theory is mere theory, or whether it bears translation into practice. In this, he distinguishes between the moral politician and the political moralist, pointing out ways in which practical considerations conceal and excuse behavior that leads us towards discord and war.

This essay continues to be relevant, and of great importance today, much to our shame. We hope still to find the perpetual peace which Kant argued as a obligatory goal, and we still have need of fear that we will, as Kant warned, “find Perpetual Peace only in the wide grave which is to cover all the abomination of the deeds of violence and their authors.” (Summary by D.E. Wittkower) (2 hr 11 min)

Reviews

Very good listen


(5 stars)

well read, clearly articulated and easy to understand. thank you

Interesting. Ok reading.


(4 stars)

his reading is quite dull. I appreciate the effort but am glad it was a short book.

Difficult Subject


(5 stars)

I liked the part about publishing a demand instead of just going, and rebelling.


(2 stars)

Very dull. kant makes some points....he points the problems of military buildups in nations and the problems one nation taking over another...but he doesn't offer a resolution.

elegant and cerebral flower mouth


(5 stars)

he's a fascist, basically a devil tongue seducer. the overall theme is "the whole of the law shall be do as you will" and use any method or opportunity to do it. bringing about "perpetual peace" which means No Opposition to his political theory, if you hold a different view there is no compromise, you just die or change your mind, but pol pot used this technique and lllooooottss of ppl died man👨‍🏫👨‍🏫🤡