Immanuel Kant’s views on sexuality, marriage, and family from ethical and juridical perspectives

Abstract

This study analyses Immanuel Kant’s views on sexuality, marriage, and family from ethical and juridical perspectives. Based on the examination of “Lectures on Ethics” and “The Metaphysics of Morals”, the article clarifies Kant’s argument that natural sexual impulse poses the risk of “objectification”, turning human beings into a mere means for satisfying desire. To resolve the conflict between instinct and dignity, Kant establishes marriage as a strict legal contract regarding mutual and complete possession, thereby restoring the personhood of the subjects involved. Furthermore, the study highlights the historical limitations in Kant’s patriarchal conception of the husband’s governance, while affirming the absolute duties of parents towards children based on the responsibility of procreation. The findings demonstrate that Kant’s thought marks a significant shift from biological teleology to ethical normativity, elucidating the core values of autonomy in modern society.