The Greatest Works of Immanuel Kant (eBook)

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), a central figure in modern philosophy, was a German philosopher who is perhaps best known for his work in epistemology and ethics, which have had a profound influence on all subsequent philosophy, especially the various schools of Kantianism and idealism. Kant's comprehensive and systematic works in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics have made him one of the most influential figures in Western thought. His most notable work, 'Critique of Pure Reason' (1781), seeks to understand the relationship between human knowledge and experience. This critical investigation laid the groundwork for the development of his 'Critical Philosophy', which he further elaborated in 'Critique of Practical Reason' (1788) and 'Critique of Judgment' (1790). These texts are pivotal in his compilation, 'The Greatest Works of Immanuel Kant'. Kant's moral philosophy, most clearly expressed in 'Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals' (1785), is centered on the concept of the categorical imperative, a rule for action that is universal and unconditional. His literary style is characterized by its rigor and formal precision, meticulous argumentation, and the dense, sometimes opaque, technical language. Despite the complexity of his texts, Kant's ideas about autonomy, rationality, and freedom have shaped contemporary debates across philosophy, politics, and law, marking his lasting legacy.