SPPU Department of Philosophy Commemorates Immanuel Kant’s 300th Birth Anniversary

Kant’s Revolutionary Impact on Philosophy
Born in 1724, Kant, the author of the seminal work Critique of Pure Reason, remains one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy. Reflecting on Kant’s legacy, Professor Harish Navale, Head of the Philosophy Department at SPPU, remarked, “Kant brought a revolution in philosophy, shifting the focus from metaphysics to science. His ideas also influenced Indian thinkers like K.C. Bhattacharya and Lokmanya Tilak. Tilak, in his Gita Rahasya, began with the question, ‘Is there moral theory in Indian philosophy?’ and compared Kant’s deontological ethics with the Bhagavad Gita’s philosophy.”
Kant’s Legacy and Ethical Philosophy
Speaking to The Indian Express, Professor Pravesh Jung highlighted Kant’s transformative influence: “Kant revolutionized how we think about the world and ourselves. In the history of Western philosophy, ideas are often measured as pre-Kant or post-Kant. His theoretical insights give hope, showing that human beings are unique in their ability to aspire for a better future, even in dark times.”
Kant’s Ethics: Why One Must Not Lie
Professor Apaar Kumar delved into Kant’s complex ethical philosophy, particularly his principle known as the categorical imperative. Explaining Kant’s approach to distinguishing right from wrong, Kumar said, “Kant argues that morality is rooted in reason. A moral principle must be universal—act in a way that your actions could serve as a universal law.”Using the example of lying, Kumar elaborated, “A lie is inherently contradictory. For a lie to work, the liar assumes that no one else lies, making them an exception to the rule. This contradiction makes lying immoral.”But what about morally challenging situations? Kumar reconstructed Kant’s infamous stance on lying, using the scenario of a killer asking for a friend’s whereabouts. “Kant argues you should not lie, even in such cases.