Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) und Ozeanographie

Abstract

The conclusion of this essay could be expressed as follows: Kant was a scientist at heart. His early lectures on geography and oceanography as well as his publications on geophysics, meteorology, astronomy, etc. set new standards in terms of their educational, social, political and scientific approach. During the 1750s they were completely abreast of current developments in professional research. With regard to geography, it is clear that Kant was struggling to find a systematic method. As the years progressed, he is likely to have realized that improving the system would not be easy. When assessing Kant and his scientific work, one must always bear in mind that he was possessed by a considerable urge to engage in scientific research, and that he set very high standards for himself. Until well into the 1760s, he could still certainly have become a physicist and geoscientist, and the fact that he ended up specializing in theoretical philosophy certainly has a great deal to do with his previous education. This would also explain why he does not employ mathematical means to solve problems in his scientific writings but rather tends to avoid them. The question as to whether Kant had an influence on today’s natural sciences is a controversial one. Were his scientific documents of any significance? His work is indeed distinctive for its visionary approach, but whether this was of any help to the natural scientists in around 1800 is generally regarded as doubtful. The question as to whether Kantian philosophy had any influence on the natural sciences is usually answered in the affirmative, however: Kant is described as the leading authority of the Enlightenment. His influence on social and political developments is emphasized, and linked to progress made in the natural sciences. One fact is perplexing, however: Major research libraries have no books by, or about, Kant, quite clearly indicating that Kant’s philosophical writings have never been read by natural scientists. Kant abandoned his lectures on mathematics and physics in the course of the 1770s, but continued with his geography lectures. The latter formed the basis for his 1772 lecture on anthropology. Kant imbued these lectures with a generally educational and Enlightenment-oriented character rather than a purely scientific one. From Kant’s point of view, this limitation was very necessary: It relieved him from the “constraint” of having to undertake active research and publish his work in this sector. In 1798, having already retired as a professor, he published his much-read “Anthropology” (Kant, 1798). He seems to have struggled with a systematization of geography until well into the 1780s but been unable to reach a definitive decision. This circumstance was probably the main reason why no original Kantian “Geography” has come down to us. Kant’s influence on oceanography as a part of geography is based on the fact that he was one of the first to recognize the importance of the subject, give lectures on it and captivate generations of students with his enthusiasm for it.