KANT, ENLIGHTENMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AND DECLINE OF THE SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

Abstract

Paper first outlines basic ambiguities of Kant's political philosophy, which are to important degree the result of his attitude towards Enlightenment and French revolution. Then it compares Kant's theory of social contract as foundation of enlightened absolutism, with Hobbes's theory, to point at their similarities and differences, primarily with respect to the right to disobedience and revolt. Author continues with inquiry into Locke's theory of social contract and the question of how the right to revolt is developed and placed in its context. Comparing Locke's and Kant's theory, he points out the main difficulties in Kant's political, moral and legal theory.