Freedom, cosmopolitanism and immigration: A Kantian approach

This thesis explores Immanuel Kant's works and principles to evaluate different waves of immigration from Turkey to Germany based on his concepts of cosmopolitanism, freedom, patriotism, egalitarianism and hospitality. Although Kant did not explicitly comment on modern immigration, his philosophy provides a valuable lens for evaluating contemporary immigration practices and integration policies. This thesis begins with Kant's foundational ideas of cosmopolitanism and freedom and extends to debates between open and closed border theories, highlighting differing interpretations of Kant's views on immigration by scholars such as Reinhardt and Miller. This thesis argues that Kant's principles advocate for an approach to immigration which emphasizes the cosmopolitan obligations to individuals while considering the integrity of states. By examining the history of immigration from Turkey to Germany, the thesis illustrates how Kant's ideas could influence contemporary policies to better align with citizenship laws and integration practices that respect individual dignity. The aim is to show that Kant's philosophical approach, when we evaluate his theories within the framework of contemporary immigration issues, offers valuable guidance for developing just immigration policies in Germany and beyond.