Critique of Practical Reason (Kritik der praktischen Vernunft) (eBook)

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) was a German philosopher who is universally recognized as a central figure in modern philosophy. His comprehensive and systematic work in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics greatly influenced all subsequent philosophy, often forming the very framework for contemporary debates and research. Born in Königsberg, which is today Kaliningrad, Russia, Kant was the fourth of nine children. Throughout his life, he was an academic and a rigorous thinker. He never traveled far from his hometown, yet his philosophical ideas have traversed the globe. One of his most pivotal works is the 'Critique of Practical Reason' (Kritik der praktischen Vernunft, 1788), where he further elaborates on his moral philosophy, which was first introduced in the 'Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals' (Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten, 1785), and establishes the concept of the categorical imperative as the fundamental principle of moral law. A defining trait of Kant's literary style is his dense and complex prose, which is often meticulous and replete with technical terms that he introduced into philosophical discourse. The 'Critique of Practical Reason' is integral to Kant's critical project and is a continuation of his assessment of reason, following the 'Critique of Pure Reason' (Kritik der reinen Vernunft, 1781). What distinguishes Kant's work is his unwavering commitment to the idea of autonomy and the importance of duty, which has left an indelible mark on the field of ethics. His contributions have continued to provoke discussion and inspire thinkers across multiple disciplines, from philosophy to political theory and beyond.