(Tartu Ülikool, 2017) Reshenin, Semen; Tartu Ülikool. Filosoofiateaduskond; Tartu Ülikool. Filosoofia osakond
In my thesis, I argue (1) that Kant’s pragmatical anthropology and empirical
psychology can provide us with an explanation why people are susceptible to
manipulation. I show that people’s susceptibility to manipulation can be explained by some defects in cognition and volition, namely prejudices, passions and affects. From a Kantian perspective, the manipulative techniques are efficient because they are essentially
interwoven with the underlying principles of social order. I also argue (2) that Kant’s maxims of common understanding can help us to partially protect ourselves from the
deteriorating effects of manipulation by establishing personal autonomy. I show that the
adoption of the maxims of common understanding involves a very sophisticated thought
experiment which helps us fight with prejudices and calm our affects and passions. My
project can be summed up as the reconstruction of Kant’s theory of manipulation.
