“ To be is to do. “
Quotes by Immanuel Kant
Introducing Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) was a German philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy. He was born in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia) and spent his entire life in the region. Kant is best known for his critical philosophy, particularly his work in epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics. His most famous work, Critique of Pure Reason (1781), sought to explain the relationship between human experience and the external world, arguing that while our knowledge begins with experience, not all of it arises from experience. Kant's ethical theory, outlined in Critique of Practical Reason and Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, emphasized the concept of duty and the moral law, which he termed the "categorical imperative." This principle suggests that individuals should act according to maxims that can be universally applied. Kant's ideas about autonomy, freedom, and the limits of human knowledge continue to have a profound impact on contemporary philosophy.