Nkant

Nkant is a neologism that appears in online discussions and some niche philosophy and AI ethics writings. It is used to denote a stance or framework that diverges from Immanuel Kant's strict deontological philosophy, often interpreted as "non-Kantian" or "new Kant" depending on the author. Because there is no canonical definition, nkant can refer to several related ideas rather than a single doctrine.

The term's etymology is straightforward: it combines Kant with the prefix n- indicating negation or an alternative. It first appears in late 20th or early 21st century discourse, primarily in English-language forums and speculative essays; there is no widely cited scholarly origin or formal adoption in canonical philosophy.

In usage, nkant is often contrasted with Kantian deontology, but its exact meaning varies by context. It may denote a critique of Kantian ethics as applied to practical decision-making, or it may refer to a family of approaches that seek to ground morality in outcomes, virtues, or other foundations rather than Kantian duties. Some discussions frame nkant as a hypothetical reconstruction of Kantian theory to address modern issues such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or neuroscience, reframing Kantian questions to fit contemporary contexts.

Variants include "n-Kantian," "nkantian," and sometimes the broader "non-Kantian" used more generally. Critics argue that the label can be vague or umbrella-like, risking conflation of distinct theories. Proponents may view nkant as a flexible tag for modern ethical frameworks that resist strict Kantian requirements while engaging with Kantian questions about reason, autonomy, and respect for persons.

See also Kantian ethics; non-Kantian ethics; AI ethics; normative philosophy.