Universalisability, publicity, and communication: Kant's conception of reason

By emphasising the neglected communicative aspect of Kant's account of rational autonomy, this article highlights the practical and social dimensions of Kant's conception of reason. The article argues that rational autonomy describes a type of reasoning that enables the thinker to reflect critically on her claims and those of others. Central to this is the capacity to adduce universalisable and public reasons, and crucially, to communicate with others. On Kant's account, it is only in communication with others that the force of the requirements of critical reflection is recognised and their application to a particular case is tested, and indeed, contested.