The Meaning of "Moralization" and its Range in Kant's Theory of Education

The Relationship between "the Cultivation of Reason" and "Cosmopolitan Education"

Abstract

 The purpose of this paper is to point out the significance of the idea of “moralization” in Kant’s On Education. This idea is linked with his practical philosophy, and is of great help to understand his view on cosmopolitan education.  Previous studies, however, have not shown that linkage because there has been a considerable difficulty in interpreting On Education. As this book was published after Kant’s death, past studies have pointed out the contradictions or differences between its content and Kant’s other practical philosophy, especially his Critique of Practical Reason. Under this circumstance, On Education has been given a negative estimate.  In this paper, 1 propose that On Education has a great innate value, and has its own position in the system of Kant’s critical philosophy. A clear understanding about the details of “moralization” in Kant’s theory of education not only leads to a realization of the linkage between Kant’s critical philosophy and On Education, but also promotes a better understanding of Kant’s cosmopolitan education. “Moralization” contains two important components, the first being the idea of “to think yourself (Selbstdenken),” and the second being is that of “to think critically.” These two components are not only the basis of Kant’s critical philosophy, but also correspond closely with his standpoint of cosmopolitanism. Previous studies missed this point, and On Education was regarded, at least by itself, as unimportant, This paper thus shows the new value of Kant’s On Education by interpreting “moralization” as both “the cultivation of reason” and “cosmopolitan education.”