Discipline and reason: the theory of discipline in Kant's practical philosophy

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to reconstruct the theory of discipline within Kant's philosophical system and to analyse its relationship with the concept of autonomy. In contemporary philosophical discourse, the concept of discipline is regarded as a pivotal parameter for the analysis of subjectivity. Nevertheless, numerous philosophers regard the notion of discipline as a source of concern, on the grounds that it impedes the practice of autonomy. In order to demonstrate the compatibility and interrelatedness of discipline and autonomy, the initial chapter proposes an examination of two perspectives that diverge from Kant's, namely those of Hannah Arendt and Michel Foucault. The significance of this initial exploratory phase lies in its focus on the practical-political dimension of the thesis. To examine the relationship between autonomy and discipline, two conceptual frameworks are presented that illustrate instances of disciplinary abuse and its incompatibility with autonomy. The second chapter presents the concept of discipline as found in Kant's philosophy. It aims to reconstruct the theory of discipline and demonstrate its categorisation and functions. In particular, it examines the types of disciplines (theoretical, practical and pragmatic) and their action (internal and external) on the agent. The third chapter has two principal aims: (i) to demonstrate the implementation of Kant's theory of discipline in his practical philosophy, encompassing its various domains (anthropological, moral, political, pedagogical and legal); and (ii) to evaluate the perspectives on discipline presented in this thesis, illustrating how Kant's theory of discipline can address the concerns raised by Arendt and Foucault in their accounts of disciplinary power and absolute obedience. In other words, it compares and demonstrates the importance of the theory of discipline for Kant's normative theory, not only within its own system, but also as a consistent alternative to the problems that plague contemporary democracies.