KANT’S RELIGIOUS ARGUMENT FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Abstract

After reviewing Kant’s well-known criticisms of the traditional proofs of god’s existence and his preferred moral argument, this paper presents a de tailed analysis of a densely-packed theistic argument in Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason . Humanity’s ultimate moral destiny can be fulfilled only through organized religion, for only by participating in a religious community (or “church”) can we overcome the evil in human nature. Yet we cannot conceive how such a community can even be founded without presupposing god’s existence. Viewing god as the internal moral lawgiv er, empowering a community of believers, is Kant’s ultimate rationale for theistic belief.