ABSTRACT
Kant’s concepts of practical reason and autonomy have been criticized by feminist critical theorists. According to Seyla Benhabib and Amy Allen, these concepts presuppose a male-centered, monological and disembedded subject. Considering these objections, the aim of this chapter is to argue that Kant’s sexism is not to be found in the formulation of the concepts of practical reason and autonomy, but it lies in the teleological assumptions about the realization of morality in history. First, I highlight the fundamental role of interaction and communication for the use of practical reason and for the exercise of autonomy. Then, I explain how Kant implicitly argues that women cannot make adequate use of their practical reason nor fully exercise their autonomy.
