About
Immanuel Kant was born in Königsberg, East Prussia, where he lived his entire life. From a modest family, he studied at the University of Königsberg before becoming professor of logic and metaphysics there in 1770. His critical philosophy, presented in the three Critiques, revolutionized metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics. He formulated the categorical imperative as the supreme principle of morality and developed transcendental idealism, according to which the mind actively structures experience. His work profoundly influenced modern Western thought.
Major works
- Critique of Pure Reason (1781)philosophical treatise
- Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)ethical treatise
- Critique of Practical Reason (1788)moral philosophy treatise
- Critique of Judgment (1790)treatise on aesthetics and teleology
- Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch (1795)political essay
Key milestones
- 1770Appointed professor of logic and metaphysics at the University of Königsberg
- 1781Publication of the Critique of Pure Reason
- 1796Retired from teaching
Themes
Transcendental idealismCategorical imperativeEnlightenmentMoral autonomyPerpetual peace
Sources: plato.stanford.edu · cambridge.org · rep.routledge.com