Collected Works of Immanuel Kant (eBook)

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), a central figure in modern philosophy, was a German philosopher hailed from Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia). His comprehensive and systematic work in epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics profoundly influenced all subsequent philosophy, especially the various schools of Kantianism and idealism. Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason' (Kritik der reinen Vernunft, 1781), sought to establish the limits and scope of metaphysics, using a method that later became known as the 'Copernican Revolution' in philosophy. This foundational work was followed by the 'Critique of Practical Reason' (Kritik der praktischen Vernunft, 1788) and the 'Critique of Judgment' (Kritik der Urteilskraft, 1790), which investigated moral philosophy and aesthetics respectively. His notions of categorical imperative and the autonomy of the will are cornerstones of modern moral philosophy. Kant's influence extends beyond philosophy into political theory, with his work 'Perpetual Peace' (Zum ewigen Frieden, 1795) providing early ideas of democratic peace theory. His 'Collected Works' include all of his significant writings, such as 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics', 'Metaphysics of Morals', and a trove of other rigorous treatises blending his insights into the human experience with metaphysical inquiry. Kant's writing is characterized by a formal and ornate style, often constructing extended arguments through elaborate frameworks that have consistently challenged and enriched academic discourse. His enduring impact on various disciplines underscores his status as one of history's most eminent and pivotal thinkers.