Abstract
Although significant differences undoubtedly exist between Daoism and Kants philosophy, the two systems also have some noteworthy similarities. After calling attention to a few such parallels and sketching the outlines of Kants philosophy of religion, this article focuses on an often-neglected feature of the latter: the four guiding principles of what Kant calls an invisible church (universality, purity, freedom, and unchangeableness). Numerous passages from Lao Zis classic text, Dao-De-Jing, seem to uphold these same principles, thus suggesting that they can also be interpreted as core features of a Daoist philosophy of life. A crucial difference, however, is that members of a Daoist church would focus on contentment, whereas Kantian churches modeled on Christianity (the religious tradition Kant favored) would strive for perfection. The article therefore concludes by considering what a synthesis might look like, if a Kantian church were to be based on a Daoist interpretation of these four fundamental principles.
Recommended Citation
Palmquist, Stephen R.
(2013)
"A DAOIST MODEL FOR A KANTIAN CHURCH,"
Comparative Philosophy: Vol. 4:
Iss.
1, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/comparativephilosophy/vol4/iss1/8
