Kant’s Sixth Proof of God

Kant’s Sixth Proof of God

Immanuel Kant definitively demonstrated in his writings that no proof or disproof of the existence of god could be fashioned from pure reason. He conclusively and persuasively showed that all of the five standard rational proofs of god are inadequate to prove the case. By extension, Kant’s method of dismissing the five rational proofs, also showed conclusively that any attempts to rationally disprove god are similarly inadequate. In most respects, after Kant the discussion of any rational argument pro or con god is a moot exercise.

But is it really the case then that no amount of reason can resolve the question of god’s existence? In terms of pure reason, yes. But make a close reading of Kant’s Critique of Practical Reason and you may see that it does seem to indicate the possibility of a “sixth proof” which is crafted from practical reason. Pure reason is related to metaphysical issues while practical reason is related to question about how we should act. As the name indicates, practical reason is about practical and pragmatic issues.  I enjoyed this article about this Kantian Proof of God within practical reason as discussed by several Russian authors. You can decide for yourself if Kant’s argument is something new, actually Kant’s Sixth Proof of God, or just a retread or mischaracterization.

N.B. – I make no claims for or against the idea of the existence of a god.