IMMANUEL KANT: Philosophical Books, Critiques & Essays (ePub)

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Western philosophy. Born in Königsberg, which was then in Prussia (today Kaliningrad, Russia), Kant's comprehensive and systematic work in epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics have had a profound impact on all subsequent philosophy, particularly the various branches of Kantianism and idealism. A central theme in his philosophy is the nature of human reason and its role in our understanding of the world. His three critical works, 'The Critique of Pure Reason' (1781), 'The Critique of Practical Reason' (1788), and 'The Critique of Judgment' (1790), are seminal texts in the canon of Western thought. In these writings, Kant developed his theories of knowledge, morality, and aesthetic appreciation. Notably, he proposed the existence of an 'a priori', or innate knowledge structure, and formulated the categorical imperative as the principle of morality. Kant's rigorous approach to philosophical inquiry, persistent questioning, and dedication to reason transformed the landscape of metaphysics and ethics, influencing diverse areas such as existentialism, phenomenology, and analytic philosophy. His essays, including 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics' and 'Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science', further underscore his impact on modern thought. Today, Kant remains a centerpiece in philosophical education and his work continues to be essential reading for those pursuing questions about knowledge, reality, and moral law.