Kantian and existentialist conceptions of freedom

Kantian and existentialist purposes of easedomIm humanityuel Kant (1724-1804), best known for his work Critique of Pure Reason, was an instrumental philosopher in his contributions to honorable philosophy. A devout Catholic, he firmly believed in the existence of God. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980), however, countered Kantian philosophy in their stance on the meaninglessness of existence. For existentialists, life had no greater purpose as humans lived in an infinite universe unconcerned with human existence. scorn this heavy difference, however, the Kantian and existentialist concepts of freedom had to a greater extent in common than the rest of their philosophic components.Though rooted in opposing bases, both Kantian and existentialist freedom had to a greater extent similarities than differences. Kantian free provide and the existentialist liberation from responsibility both stipulated that man was only constricted in his choice by his own conscience. B oth philosophies concepts of freedom argon rooted in human consequence, but where Kantian freedom differs is the calculus of Christian morals and sin.Though his philosophy was deeply rooted in religion, Kant did non try to reduce human freedom, emphasizing the Christian concept of free depart (Guyer 1992, p. 2). Though free will theoretically empowers man to any achievement he so desires, Kant believed in inextricably linking human freedom to the moral law indoctrinated by the specter of an all-knowing, all-seeing God (Guyer 1992, p. 4). Unlike Sartre, Kant believed in a fundamental problem posed by human freedom. Because of the un repaired possibilities and anarchy posed by the free will of millions, Kant endorsed a priori, moral-based philosophy limiting the boundaries of human will to ensure preservation of the greater good. Kants ultimate view of freedom was one that emphasized the importance of limitation as the use of freedom led to the dangers of materialism and determini sm, from which the principle of freedom had to be saved at all costs (Guyer 1992, p. 52). Perhaps most concrete about Kantian philosophy is its argument that man cannot exist without God mans snatchions exist because God allowed him free will, and for no other reason.Existentialist philosophy revolves around the precept that there is no God on whose behalf mans actions ought to be relegated. God did not create man. Instead, man created God. With no God upon whom humankind relies, there can be no limit to the potentiality of freedom. existentialist philosophy dictates that there is no predetermined end to mans actions, that, unlike in Kantian philosophy, existence is meaningless. Man is a pecker like any other creature in the universe, and though endowed with certain mental capacities, exists only to perish leaving no great imprint on the infinite universe. Furthermore, every soul is unique from the existentialist standpoint, and no two people can be subject to the exact same mor al conduct. As a result, the existentialist conception of man developed, portraying the individualessentially still free even when in chainsas master of his own fate (Howells 1992, p. 68). The limits on human freedom be those of a conscious, self-implemented nature. Mans actions are limited only by the conscious decision of man, wherein he/she is obliged to practice good will (Howells 1992, p. 33).In his The Transcendence of the Ego, Sartre examines his moral objectivist predecessor Kant, charge on individuality as a pivotal point in existence. Sartre asserts that Kant says nothing concerning the actual existence of the statement I think, purporting that in Kants notion of free will and limitation, Kant does not take into serious account the possibility of man to dismiss the a priori system altogether (Sartre 1988, p. 32). Sartre argues that Kantian philosophy relies on man as being compelled to follow a series of moral laws, which in essence limits human freedom. Sartre argues th at true freedom comes without fear of consequence. Only in the existential word meaning of the futility of action and existence can true freedom to act exist. A priori laws are a binding code, and though they exist for the greater good, they still limit the boundaries of the Christian concept of free will. Essentially, acting on compulsion through an intermediary such as religion still fetters mans range of action, thought, and ultimately inhibits freedom.Despite Sartres contentions of the greater freedom of existentialist philosophy, both the Kantian and existentialist philosophies have much in common. Kant believed in free will as granted by God to man man, in turn, has the complete freedom to do as he pleases. Though the consequences levied by religion are made clear, man has the choice to accept the consequences of his actions and can decide whether or not to endeavor to exercise free will as he sees fit. Existentialist freedom, through the acceptance of existence as meaningles s, endows man with a free will as well, though of a various nature. In existentialist freedom, mans actions are meaningless in the noble-minded scheme of the universe, and he is totally free to do as he pleases. However, man is bound by the consequence of moral transgression, implicating that he ought not to act in certain ways on behalf of his fellow man. The only differentiating aspect is the utilization of a priori laws in Kantian philosophy, as opposed to the consideration of others in existentialist philosophy. Both philosophies perceive man as bound by knowledge of his consequences, which inhibits freedom in the same manner. Whether aware of an afterlife or the gist of actions on others, both philosophies feature the same countermeasures to free will.The similarities between existentialism and Kantian philosophy are evident only when examined in a broader sense. The more intimately examined, the fewer similarities hold. Under scrutiny, the two philosophies are complete oppo sites, yet the direction of the two essentially remains the same. Both philosophies dictate the limitations necessary on mans freedoms in order to peacefully co-exist with his surroundings. Where they differ is the source of limitations. For Kant, the limitation comes from the a priori moral objectivist laws attributed to God. Existentialists, on the other hand, find the same freedoms, but from a different approach as they embrace the concept of the universes indifference toward man and the inconsequential existence of humankind.