O conceito kantiano de mal radical e o resgate da disposição originária para o bem

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to reconstruct the concept of radical evil (das radikale Böse) treated by Kant in his writing On the radical evil in human nature (Über das radicale Böse in der menschlichen Natur), which was published in 1792. Starting from the data provided by this text, the terms in which Kant discusses both the problem of moral evil in the proper sense (conceived as radical), and the possibility of a human progress with regard to morality, are explicated. In that thematic, Kant introduces some concepts which pertain exclusively to the question of evil, among them, the concept on intention (Gesinnung), the concepts of inclination towards the evil (Hang zum Bösen) and of disposition to the good (Anlage zum Guten), also the ideas of revolution and gradual reform (as means to realize moral progress), and finally a new definition of nature. Even if it uses its proper terms, the writing on the evil keeps many basic concepts which Kant had introduced in earlier writings. For this reason, the dissertation does not limitate itself to the writing On the radical evil, but also treats of other kantian works, which serves two purposes: first, an explicative one, clarifying questions already well established in kantian philosophy; and secondly, a comparative one, both in relation with terms which receive a different meaning, and with regard to changes of the claims made, which reflect the new context and follow a different configuration. This is the horizon which the present dissertation is itended to reconstruct and within which it locates itself. Regarding the question of the evil (and its qualification as radical), various other questions are discussed in a specific manner, for instance, the origin of evil, the responsibility of man for its existence, the notions of virtue (both in the moral and in the legal sphere), the concept of evil action, the idea of moral education, and finally, the function of religion as supporting and stabilizing good moral conduct. These questions were harmonized as far as possible, and reconstructed from the point of view which caracterizes kantian philosophy: the critical-systematic point of view.