Abstract

In this paper I analyze Kant’s conception of justice, as discussed in some of his main political and juridical writings. In the first place, I will attempt to show that the concept of a distributive justice is not connected with an equitable distribution of resources, but with the notion of public justice, that is to say: it is related to the equality and reciprocity which result from the subjection of all the members of the civil society to the public authority. Despite the fact that distributive justice is not connected with economical equality, Kant introduces some observations regarding the problem of redistribution within the frame of his doctrine of right. I will examine those observations and discuss recent interpretations regarding this important topic. Finally, I will focus on the question of publicity as a criterion of justice. The discussion of these issues will allow to stress the importance of the concept of justice in Kant’s juridical philosophy.