Emmanuel Kant’s Situation on Metaphysics and Religion Review and Criticism

Abstract

The current research explores the topics of 'Metaphysics' and 'Religion,' presenting the opinions of the eminent modern philosopher, Emmanuel Kant. Kant, due to his profound influence on Europe in these fields and others, is discussed in the context of Islam and reason. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. It concludes that Kant sought to understand metaphysics through a pure tribal mind, ultimately asserting that this pure mind could substantiate metaphysical concepts, including the existence of Allah. This finding is rooted in the idea that the mind, when delving into what is beyond its comprehension, cannot attain knowledge without relying on reasoning derived from experiences, feelings, revelations, instincts, or other sources. What Kant termed as axioms, necessities, or instincts are identified as components of the tribal mind. Regarding religion, Kant, after extrapolating various religions, arrived at a negative opinion on ecclesiastical and other religions. He advocated for the rejection of religions based on books and miracles, urging people to transition from historical and ecclesiastical faith to a more generalized rational and moral faith he conceived. Kant argued that anyone promoting a religion, whether self-invented or created by another being, is essentially deifying themselves or that particular creature. According to Kant, the legislation, definition of religious meaning, understanding worship, and what pleases Allah must be established through Sharia texts and not within the realm of the mind.