Choosing Freedom: A Kantian Guide to Life

by Karen Stohr

An exploration of everything Kant's philosophy can teach us about being the best people we can be, from using our human reasoning to its fullest potential to being affably drunk at dinner parties.

Immanuel Kant is well known as one of the towering figures of Western philosophical history, but he is less well known for his savvy advice about hosting dinner parties. This philosophical genius was a man of many interests and his famously formal and abstract ethical system is only part of his story. But Kant not only made a profound impact on how people think about big questions like how to treat one another -- he also offered wise insights on things people confront in everyday things like gossip, friendship, manners, self-respect, cheerfulness, gratitude, mockery, contempt, and yes, dinner parties. In this book, philosopher Karen Stohr shows how Kant's whole ethical picture fits together. It's a picture that is as relevant and useful now as it was in the 18th century--and maybe even more so.

A Kantian way of living means using reason to guide your choices so that your life reflects your true nature as a free, rational being. This nature is one we share with others; Kantianism emphasizes the fundamental dignity and equality of each person. It presents an ideal for how we should live together without downplaying the challenges we face in the actual world. Though realistic about human weaknesses, Kant remained optimistic about our capacities and possibilities. He had great faith in the ability of human reason to point us in the direction of moral progress and to get us there. Each of us has the power within us to know and choose the right path--we just have to be willing to make that choice, and to discover how worthwhile life can be in the process.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

328 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Lee Downen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an accessible introduction to Kant's ethics, one you could give to high school students, a "general reader," or, to use a term that will seem even more abstract to you, a lover. Imagine that the last, the object of your nightly categorical petitions, lacked philosophical training (so the prayer was only partially answered) and asked you where she should start in order to understand the eponymous subject of your weakest puns. Stohr's text would be a good recommendation: the writing is clear, the examples are straightforward, and the organization is sensible.

If you are already familiar with Kant's major works, you needn't read this book. However, if you do, you may learn something useful: how to discuss Kant in plain English. And that would be particularly helpful when you decide to leave your hovel made of books, imbibe a bit of courage, and realize chapter 26 ("A Kantian Love Life") with some other unity of apperception whom you fancy. Allicere aude.

[Muhip Tezcan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simplified, which can be both good and bad. The book nicely sums up Kant's view on ethics with modern daily examples. This makes it very accessible and almost like a self help book (the good kind) The author doesn't shy away from criticizing Kant when it's due either. It was interesting to see the contrast between Kant's views and some of his weird flaws.

The simplicity and the everyday language leaves some open questions though. Why does Kant focus so much on rationality? Since he's a "systematic philosopher" his thoughts on epistemology, metaphysics etc are important to understand his ethics. Of course, it's very difficult to explain Kant's entire philosophy while not losing focus on morality and making it accessible. Maybe an appendix trying to explain how his systematic views play into his ethics could have been useful?

But in any case it is a fun, easy to read book that can guide many of us to build a rational, consistent ethical framework and inspire us to become the better versions of ourselves, which is very important in this age where people seem to be looking for new hope, meaning and reason. See you all in the kingdom of (fri)ends!

[Brother Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an easy entry into Kantian ethics if you would be so interested in it. I am very impressed by Kant's ethical system and happy with how it lines up quite nicely with historic Christian ethics (with a few caveats). I took a Kant class in my undergrad but we were mainly concerned with his metaphysics and epistemology. One must remember that Kant was a systematic philosopher so he's written on basically everything.

Why should you consider getting into Kantian ethics? Kant will give you language to understand more nuanced ethical dilemmas and also provide you with objective frameworks and principles (e.g. the categorical imperative) with which to think about your relationships and decisions.

[Joshua Weatherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice modern and easy to understand introduction to Kant's ethics with examples on how we can apply them in the modern day. Some critical discussion at points, which the man himself would love.

Only problem is I felt it was a bit too long. There were a few chapters where I felt I was almost reading the same as before.

Still, top book if you're interested in Kant.

[gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Approachable description of Kant’s ethical philosophy. Stohr does a great job of organizing topics in a coherent manner. Explanations are done with relevant examples and with the clear aim of increasing understanding.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teen should read this book.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible introduction to Kant, and to moral philosophy in general.

[Peter Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

super clear writing, surprisingly insightful, a good moral awakening, felt pedantic at times

[Malum · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better introductory philosophy books I have read. Stohr makes it easy to understand Kant's ideas and doesn't gloss over his problems (like his racism and sexism).

[Nicholaus Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Stohr is a fantastic writer. She uses simple language with so much precision. I can't think of another academic writer I've read that does this so well.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the clearest explanations of Kant’s moral philosophy out there. Gives a vivid sense of what it would really look like to be an egalitarian not just in abstract political matters but also in our everyday relationships, conversations, and interactions.