A “Deep Current Monism” in Kant's theology? Critical Questions for Klaus Müller

Abstract

Klaus Müller has thoroughly studied Kant’s work and tried to show that Kant, too, follows monistic intuitions. According to Müller, this can be seen especially in Kant’s ambivalent references to Spinoza. This article argues against Müller’s interpretation by underlining the “moral monotheism” to which Kant adhered throughout his life. For this purpose, Kant’s publications as well as his so-called Reflections and the surviving lecture transcripts are examined. In the last step, the Opus Postumum, which is particularly controversial in this matter, is also accounted for. It is shown that there are good reasons to consider the monism that Müller (following Henrich) attributes to Kant incompatible with the latter’s plea for an ethico-theology based on his understanding of morality. Especially because it remains necessarily connected with the concept of a moral and thus also personal God.