How Many Vocations? Rousseau, Evil, and the Bestimmung des Menschen in Kant.

This article explores the relationship between Immanuel Kant and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, focusing on their perspectives on human nature and its implications for politics. The author argues that Kant's engagement with Rousseau, particularly in his lectures on anthropology, is crucial for understanding his political theory. The article also examines the role of evil and providence in Kant's interpretation of Rousseau, challenging the notion that Kant can be solely characterized as a liberal. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of Kant's Rousseauian conception of human nature and its significance for politics. It also discusses the purpose of human life and the concept of human vocation according to both philosophers, highlighting the importance of moral self-determination. The author raises doubts about a particular interpretation of Kant's concept of human vocation and emphasizes Kant's emphasis on free will and the rational ability of humans to shape their own destiny. The article concludes by raising questions about the modernity of Kant's views and the relevance of his philosophy in addressing the crisis of liberalism. [Extracted from the article]