Kantian

adjective

Kant·​ian ˈkan-tē-ən 

ˈkän-

: of or relating to philosopher Immanuel Kant or his writings

It's a basic Kantian thought that the wicked should not prosper, that the world would be better if they faced some penalty.

—Kwame Anthony Appiah

Examples of Kantian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In terms of Kantian ethics, journalists should not use anyone as a means to an end. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026

Both accept the truth that such rules as have existed have resulted much more from American hard and soft power well exercised than from a Kantian consensus among right-thinking politicians. — Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026

Its form thus neatly meets the Kantian criterion of exhibiting its purpose. — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

The course features lessons on topics like Kantian ethics, Consequentialism, Ancient Chinese ethical principles regarding protection of the elderly, and real-world examples where AI has been accused of bias in assessing criminal risk scores. — Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Kantian

• post-Kantian