ON THE OLD SAW

The old objection to philosophy that it is impractical seems to have as one of its best targets Kants philosophy. In this essay, Kant responds to this objection in the name of philosophy in general and in his own name as a philosopher whose thoughts were and still are commonly believed to be singularly applicable to the realities of politics and everyday life. This essay is of prime importance in reaching a just estimate of the contribution philosophy, including Kantian philosophy, can make to the practical solution of human problems.--Lewis White Beck In this famous essay, first published in 1793, Kant considers the alleged conflict between theory and practice in the conduct of human affairs in three widening contexts