Syracuse Sun

A one-day symposium on April 19, supported by the Central New York Humanities Corridor, aims to delve into the significance of philosopher Immanuel Kant’s 1795 essay “Toward Perpetual Peace” in the context of contemporary global challenges.

Kant's essay, "Toward Perpetual Peace," continues to resonate more than two centuries after its initial publication, as the world grapples with ongoing conflicts. Gregg Lambert, Dean’s Professor of the Humanities, emphasizes the global nature of war, stating, “war is not one regional issue ... the number of wars only seems to increase each year.”

Organized by Gregg Lambert and Peter Gilgen, the symposium titled “The Contemporary Relevance of Perpetual Peace” will take place at Cornell University. Peter Gilgen highlights the enduring influence of Kant's work, stating, “Anyone thinking about peace and what it means and implies had/has to take Kant’s profound remarks into account.”

The event will feature discussions on Kant's treatise and its application in today's world, as well as the launch of the Perpetual Peace Academy. Lambert expresses the goal of engaging students and participants in conversations about peace, with the academy driven by international faculty from various disciplines.

Adam Nocek, a key figure in the symposium, stresses the importance of Kant's concept of 'perpetual peace' and its relevance in current global discourse. Vivian May encourages active participation in the symposium, highlighting the opportunity to pursue planetary peace and climate justice.

The symposium marks a continuation of the Perpetual Peace Project, which has evolved through different phases since its initiation in 2008. The latest phase, prompted by recent events such as the invasion of Ukraine, includes collaborations and events in various countries to reignite discussions on peace and international cooperation.

The symposium on Friday will showcase presentations by experts in the field, moderated by faculty from leading universities, further emphasizing the enduring significance of Kant’s ideas on peace and harmony in a world marred by conflict.