The Critique of Pure Reason (ePub)

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a central figure in modern philosophy who synthesized early modern rationalism and empiricism, set the terms for much of nineteenth and twentieth-century philosophy, and continues to exercise a significant influence today in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, and other fields. Born in Königsberg, which was then part of Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia), Kant spent his entire life within the vicinity of his hometown, famously never venturing far from it. He was a precocious student, educated at the Collegium Fredericianum and the University of Königsberg. His most renowned work, 'The Critique of Pure Reason' (1781), revolutionized the approach to philosophical inquiry, particularly in epistemology and metaphysics, by proposing a 'Copernican revolution' in philosophy. This work aimed to analyze the limits and scope of pure reason, establishing the boundaries of science and metaphysics. Kant's unique philosophical approach, often called 'transcendental idealism,' profoundly impacted subsequent philosophical discourse and thinkers. His other notable works include 'The Critique of Practical Reason' which focuses on ethics, and 'The Critique of Judgment,' addressing aesthetics and teleology. His three critiques constitute what is often referred to as his 'critical philosophy.' Kant's rigorous analysis, systematic presentation, and the depth of his ideas have made him one of the most influential philosophers in Western thought. (Guyer, P., & Wood, A. W. (Eds.). (1998). The Cambridge Companion to Kant. Cambridge University Press.)