Kantian

[ kan-tee-uhn, kahn- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling the philosophy of Kant.

noun

1. an adherent of the philosophy of Immanuel Kant.

Kantian

/ ˈkæntɪən /

adjective

1. (of a philosophical theory) derived from or analogous to a position of Immanuel Kant, esp his doctrines that there are synthetic a priori propositions which order our experience but are not derived from it, that metaphysical conclusions can be inferred from the nature of possible experience, that duty is to be done for its own sake and not as a means to any other end, and that there is a world of things-in-themselves to be distinguished from mere phenomena See also transcendental argument transcendental idealism categorical imperative noumenon

Derived Forms

• ˈKantianˌism, noun

Other Words From

• post-Kanti·an adjective
• pre-Kanti·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kantian¹

First recorded in 1810–20; Kant + -ian

Example Sentences

These are positive, humane and respectful activities; therefore they satisfy the Kantian test of rationality.

From Washington Post

The dominant Kantian approach was born during the era of Newtonian physics, which was displaced in 1905 by Einstein’s theory of relativity.

From New York Times

Apologies for going all Kantian, but what’s revealed in the Covid-era museum is that art’s political power still derives, above all, from having no pragmatic application.

From New York Times

The notion of virtue signaling, which was coined as a term of reproach, has precisely this Kantian valence.

From New York Times

The author of more than 50 books, Mr. Scruton wrote about morality, politics, aesthetics, architecture, Kantian philosophy and the joys of hunting, in addition to penning two operas and several novels.

From Washington Post