Kant’s Conception of Philosophy as a Doctrine of Wisdom

In this work, I examine Kant’s conception of philosophy as a doctrine of wisdom. I argue that philosophy, so conceived, is not only a theoretical activity but also a practice of life that demands a concrete commitment from the philosopher, understood as a teacher of wisdom. Such a practical commitment is both moral and political. On the one hand, as the one who best understands the laws of duty, the philosopher should be the first to act morally. Moreover, the philosopher should promote the pursuit of wisdom and the highest good among human beings. This promotion occurs in the form of what Kant calls ‘moral catechism’ and consists in improving one’s pre-philosophical cognition of morality in order to reduce the risk of moral self-deception and strengthen one’s moral agency. On the other hand, the philosopher should promote the pursuit of peace by publicly expressing her ideas on peace and war-making. Indeed, as the one who best understands the a priori principles of right, the philosopher can enhance the political wisdom of politicians, illuminating the political course to be undertaken in order to successfully establish worldwide peace. Ultimately, the philosopher should be politically engaged, at least indirectly, not only because peace is a necessary end of human reason, but also because a peaceful condition facilitates moral agency, and thus the (asymptotic) attainment of wisdom and the highest good, understood as the unity between virtue and happiness.