Story Archive

A Critique without Reasons

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) wrote Critique of Pure Reason and Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. His thoughts are discussed in philosophy classes to this day. But in Kaliningrad, Russia, where he has a statue and is treated as the mascot of the town formerly known as Koenigsberg, his country house is approaching collapse. It’s used as a gathering place for underage drinkers. And if that’s not bad enough, vandals have written on the house — without even attaching any philosophical argument for their view! — the statement that “Kant is a moron.” (AC/London Telegraph) ...When caught, the vandals explained: “There is nothing at all in the world, or even out of it, which can be regarded as good without qualification, except a good joke.”