Principles of Metaphysics of Law

Author: [German] Immanuel Kant
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1991-09-01
Features: The main work of Kant's legal theory is the first part of Metaphysics of Morals, titled Principles of Metaphysics of Morals, published in 1797. In this book, Kant elaborates on his legal thoughts. The origins of his legal theory primarily come from Roman law and French Enlightenment thinkers, especially Rousseau and Montesquieu. Kant's legal theory has a distinct representativeness, embodying some important perspectives in traditional Western legal thought. Western law, from Plato to Kant and even today, if described in broad strokes, can be said to start from humans and human nature, exploring the freedom and rights of citizens, thereby discussing the essence, function, and other attributes of law. Kant also develops his legal theory along this axis. This book is one of Kant's major works on legal theory and is the first part of Metaphysics of Morals. As a renowned philosopher, Kant's legal thought also highlights his humanity, as the human question is a significant issue for him. He believed that only humans possess free will and innate natural rights: freedom. But in order to maintain their own freedom, humans must first respect the freedom of others, because he believed that law is a set of explicit regulations formulated by legislative bodies in accordance with this highest principle, with the ultimate goal of protecting citizens, that is, human freedom, as well as all rights derived from it. Of course, his thoughts have obvious limitations, so this book is for reference and requires critical analysis.