On the Old Saw: That May be Right in Theory But It Won't Work in Practice

In this famous essay, first published in 1793, Kant considers alleged conflict between theory and practice in conduct of human affairs in three widening contexts: those of common person faced with a moral decision, of politician and citizen concerned with extent and limits of political obligation, and, finally, of citizen of world whose actions have a bearing on war and peace among nations. Unlike other animals, Kant reminds us, people must decide how they will live their lives. They therefore ask for a guide to action, a set of principles--a theory. From outset, Kant rejects ancient claim that practical possibilities of action cannot always be reconciled with moral demands. He offers his own moral theory, a theory starting out principle of right as an unequivocal guide to action. In partial disagreement with rival theories of Hobbes and Locke, he proposes that only condition under which individual can achieve true destiny as a person and a member of human race is civil state. Such a state can be secured only by law. Although from such crooked wood as man is made of, nothing perfectly straight can be built, only rule of law can bring about a stable society. Last, Kant turns to relation between theory and practice in international relations. Nowhere, he writes, does human nature appear less lovable than in relation of whole nations to each other. But to hope for world peace on basis of the so-called balance of power is a mere chimera. There is no other remedy to international lawlessness and war than an international coercive law, and such law can grow only out of sound theory. put my trust in theory. At same time, I trust in nature of things, and also take account of human nature, which I cannot, or will not, consider so steeped in evil that in end reason should not triumph.