Have you ever wondered what Kant would say about the violence against the Palestinians if he were among us today?
Since I was young, I have been aware of the violence against Palestinian children, growing up in an environment sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. I used to watch television programs for fundraising and still remember the elderly lady who donated her jewelry and another who donated her house. There were also individuals who contributed despite their poor financial situations. Large sums of money were raised to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
To this day, a part of my thoughts and emotions is dedicated to the Palestinian people. Every day, I see and hear about the violence inflicted upon them through pictures, videos, and media reports. Political analysts discuss the issue extensively, and many social media influencers express their sympathy and support. However, no matter how hard they try, they cannot fully grasp the experience of someone who has grown up amidst bombs and rockets. They cannot understand the pain of a mother witnessing her child’s death, the trauma of a raped girl, or the anguish of a man watching his home being destroyed.
I find it difficult to trust politicians, as many distort the truth to serve their personal interests. Consequently, I am not concerned with assigning blame for what is happening in Palestine. What matters to me is spreading peace and ending the violence against innocent people. Therefore, I will approach the issue from a philosophical perspective, believing in philosophy’s role in effecting change across all areas of life—social, political, religious, and moral.
The topic may seem idealistic or unrealistic, but given that all political attempts to resolve the conflict in the region have failed or even worsened the situation, I feel that philosophy offers a different perspective. Unlike politics, which often conflicts with humanity, philosophy aims to improve human life universally, regardless of race or gender. Although linking Immanuel Kant’s idea of peace to the long-standing violence against Palestinians may seem a stretch, Kant’s ethical framework can still offer valuable insights.
Kant’s perspective on violence, especially in the context of modern conflicts like the situation with the Palestinians, would likely be shaped by his ethical and political theories. Kant’s moral philosophy emphasizes the importance of duty, human dignity, and the categorical imperative, which is the idea that actions should be guided by universal principles that respect each person’s inherent worth.
Kant would likely approach the issue of violence through his commitment to the principles of justice and human rights. He believed that all individuals should be treated as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end. In the context of violence against Palestinians, Kant would probably condemn acts that violate the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals, as they would conflict with his principles of moral duty and respect. Moreover, Kant’s political philosophy includes the idea of a “perpetual peace” achieved through the establishment of a federation of free states and the rule of law. He might argue that lasting peace requires the resolution of conflicts through just and fair means, rather than violence.
While the path to peace is challenging, sustained efforts in this area can contribute to a more stable and peaceful situation over time. Palestinians and Israelis can resolve the conflict themselves by having a genuine desire to end it, understanding and addressing the underlying causes, including historical grievances, territorial disputes, and socio-economic issues. Ensuring that human rights are respected on all sides can help build trust and reduce hostilities. Efforts to protect civilians and hold perpetrators of violence accountable are important steps.
