Kantdekning

Kantdekning, also known as Kantian insurance, is a concept in ethics and philosophy that draws from the ideas of Immanuel Kant. It is a form of social insurance that is designed to protect individuals from the consequences of their own actions, rather than punishing them. The term was popularized by the German philosopher and economist Friedrich Albert Lange in the late 19th century.

Kantdekning is based on the principle of the categorical imperative, a central concept in Kant's deontological ethics. According to this principle, an action is morally right if it can be universally applied as a law. Kantdekning applies this principle to the realm of economics and social policy. It argues that individuals should be held responsible for their own actions, but society should also provide a safety net to protect them from the negative consequences of their choices.

The concept of Kantdekning is often contrasted with the idea of retributive justice, which holds that punishment should be proportional to the wrongdoing. Kantdekning, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals from the harmful effects of their actions, rather than seeking retribution.

In practice, Kantdekning can take various forms, such as unemployment benefits, disability insurance, and social security. These measures are designed to ensure that individuals are not left to bear the full burden of their own mistakes or misfortunes. By providing a safety net, Kantdekning aims to promote individual freedom and responsibility while also fostering a more just and equitable society.