The Topography of Free Will Debates and Kant’s Position

Free will serves as the foundation of moral responsibility. However, when examining the topography of debates on free will within the history of Christian ethical thoughts, there is a tendency to regard divine grace as absolute while relatively neglecting free will. This paper provides an overview of the debate between Pelagius and Augustinus, which marks the starting point of the free will controversy in the history of Christian ethical thoughts, as well as the semi-Pelagian tradition that emerged in the medieval period. This paper further explores the opposition between Erasmus’s notion of free will and Luther’s concept of the bondage of the will during the Reformation, alongside Melanchthon’s synthesis of these views. Particular attention is given to Melanchthon’s perspectives on reason and revelation, philosophy and theology, and the compatibility of necessity and free will, highlighting their significance as a precursor to Kant’s moral rational faith. Based on this discussion, this paper seeks to elucidate the position of Kant’s moral rational faith within the free will debate. Kant interprets the Bible through the lens of morality within the limit of reason, viewing Jesus Christ as a teacher of the Gospel who adhered to moral law, and clarifies the issue of salvation as arising from the act of good deeds. Furthermore, despite recognizing the deeply ingrained propensity to radical evil within human nature, Kant affirms free will, positioning his moral rational faith between semi-Pelagianism and Pelagianism.