Immanuel Kant’s theory
Human beings are born with the intrinsic natural nature of always seeking growth either socially, economically, and psychologically thus differentiating people [1]. The change that one undergoes is determined by their knowledge of surroundings, people, and the events that continuously occur. According to Immanuel Kant’s theory, the only ways through which knowledge can exponentially be achieved and spread through generations is through creating a world that allows freedom where people can express themselves freely in open and public debates[2]. However, this statement does not entirely state the past because of human beings’ diversity that may not apply to all the people.
In his theory, he recognizes that freedom allows the possibility of knowing the world in the same way as the set of present things. Nature is made of different living and non –living organisms that eventually play a role in the ecosystem[3]. Therefore when an object is not put into use, then there is little knowledge of what potential it has on the planet. In the same way, our organs, both internal and external, until we use them, they remained dormant, and they don’t attain their end. In practical life, Kant alludes that creating a universe of free expression in public and private goes a long way in setting the space that consequently allows people to face the hard questions and challenges[4]. These include cultural standards that limit actions and gain more knowledge on their environment in the same ways as the specific action.
The author Kant also states that human beings require a purpose to conduct specific ideas, which informs their judgment and the implementation of any actions[5]. Any actions that lack a mission can be described as vague because it lacks a long term agenda. However, having a purpose it doesn’t guarantee success in any field. Therefore, I agree with the author that continuous practice and constant seeking of perfection are vital in bettering knowledge skills. He alludes that to achieve the highest level of practically one requires the highest level of frequent practice and training for consistent growth, which must do not stop but continue until their last day on earth[6]. However, I do not entirely agree with the argument because, as human beings, even though we continuously seek perfection, it does not exist. Everybody is bound to make mistakes in every field that exists. That is proven by the growth and development curve in living, and non-living organisms, including in other aspects of life like a business does exist and categorically states that there are stages of constant growth with different rates, which eventually slow down at a particular time. Therefore, in humankind, we have seen that with an increase in age, the efficiency level reduces, and thus the argument is not entirely valid [7]. Also, the author did not factor in the technology aspect, which has transformed the universe and makes work easier, making humans realize the highest level of efficiency ever witnessed.
Nature has given humankind the ability to go beyond her expectations and general knowledge and look for that which goes beyond its mechanical understanding and existence. In the text, “Nature has willed that the human being should produce everything that goes beyond the mechanical arrangement of his animal existence entirely…” That means that they should seek happiness in everything they do as nature only responds to how it is treated. Hence, they should not be limited to their instinct and knowledge but should take up the opportunity that nature rewards effort with results and what you sore you shall reap.
Also, since nature allows humankind to develop to channel their mission and thoughts, we must recognize the other factors that may limit people’s opportunities to go beyond expectations and, therefore, must be addressed[8]. For example, to become a civil engineer, one has to attain some education level in the field, which is expensive and requires funding. Not so many students are lucky to pay the required amount of tuition fee, and not all will get scholarships; hence the theory lacks practically in that effect. Therefore, it means that there are obstacles like the existence of poverty, which are situation and uncontrollable to an individual born in this world; hence these aspects will limit the ability of an individual to know more about the world, including what they love and are passionate about.
Human beings are naturally communal people who like living together and are considered to achieve a lot when they come together. That gave birth to the system where coexistence in terms of moral values and cultures of people who believe in common goals and ambitions. Hence the development of nations and the rule of law in different parts of the world. In his article, “The greatest problem for the human species, to which nature compels him, is the achievement of a civil society universally administering right…” he alludes that society has created a particular standard of living that expects people to live in one specific way[9]. Even though civil societies have played a critical role in establishing moral statures in our countries, it has limited people’s ability to behave and conduct themselves in their informed ways as they pursue their highest level of potential.
The author also talks about the nature of human beings who are naturally inclined to seek control, and therefore there freedom requires laws and policies to guide them. He alludes that human beings are like animals who, when given opportunity, will stumble on others to rule and prosper[10]. “This problem is at the same time the most difficult and the latest to be solved by the human species…” Also, we must recognize that even the master is human with the same qualities and therefore no guarantee that they will be any better than the others when presented with such opportunity[11]. That may not be true because human beings have a different set of morals and principles and cannot be alluded to behave in one direction.
In conclusion, in the pursuit of happiness and development, human beings are inclined to adapt to various situations that are presented to them. Difference situations may occur along with how they strive to achieve these objectives, and human beings may be limited in diverse ways as they struggle[12]. Therefore, we must recognize these factors and designed ways of dealing with them without assuming that nature will take its cause. In the current world, we have witnessed people with different intentions regarding developing and may try to fight you as you climb the ladder[13]. We must acknowledge the threats and develop strategic mechanisms that will help in preventing these changes and spearhead growth and development as sustainable efforts
[1] Kant, Immanuel, Donna M. Brinton, and Janet M. Goodwin. Kant: political writings. Cambridge University Press, 1991.
[2] In bid
[3] Kant, Immanuel. “Idea for a universal history with a cosmopolitan aim.” (2007).
[4] In bid
[5] Kant, Immanuel. “Idea for a universal history with a cosmopolitan aim.” (2007).
[6] In bid
[7] Kant, Immanuel. The Conjectural Beginning of Human History. EL Fackenheim, 1959.
[8] Watson-Franke, Maria-Barbara, Lawrence C. Watson, Morris Freilich, F. Allen Hanson, David M. Hayano, H. Dieter Heinen, Harold Kagan, Dennison Nash, Richard J. Preston, and Bob Scholte. “Understanding in anthropology: A philosophical reminder [and comments and replies].” Current Anthropology 16, no. 2 (1975): 247-262.
[9] In bid
[10] Watson-Franke, Maria-Barbara, Lawrence C. Watson, Morris Freilich, F. Allen Hanson, David M. Hayano, H. Dieter Heinen, Harold Kagan, Dennison Nash, Richard J. Preston, and Bob Scholte. “Understanding in anthropology: A philosophical reminder [and comments and replies].” Current Anthropology 16, no. 2 (1975): 247-262.
[11] In bid
[12] Physical Description of the Earth. Reiss, Hans. “Kant’s political writings.” (1970).
[13] Kant, Immanuel, Donna M. Brinton, and Janet M. Goodwin. Kant: political writings. Cambridge University Press, 1991