Perpetual Peace

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War has always been a cause of great trouble and suffering for all of humanity. It has existed from the earliest beginnings of man and continues to exist until today. From thousands of years ago and maybe even earlier, there has already been a very long tradition of attempts to end war. For Immanuel Kant and many other thinkers, the most important goal to be achieved in our world is a true and perpetual peace among states and people.

In his 1795 political philosophical essay, Kant begins by setting out the “preliminary articles” to the establishment of an everlasting peace between states. He mentions three basic conditions required for the possibility of a perpetual peace. To him, perpetual peace between states is quite attainable and it is also something which we are morally obliged to make an effort for.

Kant’s essay presents what to do to achieve that perpetual peace and this proposed program has two steps. The first, the “preliminary articles,” are the steps that should be done immediately and as fast as possible. The text of the articles is brief and concise and is as follows:

1. “No treaty of peace shall be regarded as valid, if made with the secret reservation of material for a future war.”

2. “No state having an independent existence – whether it be great or small – shall be acquired by another through inheritance, exchange, purchase or donation.”

3. “Standing armies shall be abolished in course of time.”

4. “No national debts shall be contracted in connection with the external affairs of the state.”

5. “No state shall violently interfere with the constitution and administration of another.”

“No state at war with another shall countenance such modes of hostility as would make mutual confidence impossible in...

... middle of paper ...

... definitely helps in determining what is right and wrong and what should and should not be done. For Kant, moral thought is based on this freedom and enables people to focus on the ultimate goal of perpetual peace.

In addition to being a path to which conflict between states may cease, the preliminary and definitive articles can also provide an environment wherein each person is free to exercise their reason. Kant’s theory has provided two sets of vital articles that may and perhaps should be used to progress towards peace.

Today people are still challenged to take part in this movement toward the desired end and Kant’s essay, more than two hundred and thirteen years old, is still as relevant as ever.

Kant, Immanuel. (1992), Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Essay, translated with an introduction and notes by M. Campbell Smith, Bristol: Thoemmes Press c1992

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