Abstract

A Twofold Reign of Freedom. Politics and the Moral Symbolism of Religion according to Kant This article emphasises the importance of rational religion’s moral symbolism in Kant’s political philosophy. Although Kant discontinues the classical theologico-political doctrine in a republican way, the cohesion of religion and politics is re-introduced through the mediation of the moral laws of freedom. The moral law subdivides in the principles of justice and the ones of virtue. Both perspectives give rise to subsequent questions in which essential categories of rational religion play a role. On the one hand reflection recognises an analogy between the republican political order of freedom and the religious kingdom of God; on the other hand, only religion offers the hopeful perspective to moral duty. Moreover, the compulsory character of the obligation of any law suggests an open perspective in right and morality which contradicts a mere constructivistic interpretation of Kant’s practical philosophy