Kant und der siebenjährige Krieg

Alexey Kruglov

pp. 149-164

in: Marina F. Bykova (ed), Russia and the West: Bridging the philosophical traditions, Studies in East European Thought 68, 2016.

Abstract

Russian occupation of Königsberg during the Seven Years' War (1758–1762) had a great impact on the residents of East Prussia capital. That time significantly changed the cultural city life, i.e. there was a release from narrow-mindedness and prejudices of the Protestant city that was influenced by Pietism; social mores were liberalized; in comparison with pre-war time the university started playing a more significant part, and the status of university professors rose. All these changes positively affected Kant's life and his philosophical formation. Because of the occupation Kant remained in contact with Prussian, Austrian, and Russian officers for many years, and made friends with a number of merchants. This influenced his position regarding the war, history understanding, and his assessment of Frederick the Great's role and significance.

Cited authors

Kant Immanuel