The Mystery of Poverty: How Can a Metaphysical Doctrine of Right Help Us to Understand Social Reality?

This paper takes part in the discussion whether Kant's political philosophy entails or not a foundation of basic social rights. First, I will focus on taking into account the idea of a metaphysical doctrine of right. Second, I will aim to show the boundaries of Kant's metaphysical doctrine of right to discuss how society ought to organize itself (nowadays, but also in Kant's times). Finally, I will sketch some alternative paths to reframe Kant's metaphysical standpoint for addressing social justice issues, especially the issue of poverty.