University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC)

Department of English Language and Literature (DELL)

BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature

Topic : Unlocking Immanuel Kant: Life, Major Works, and Ideas

Course Code: 023211

Course Title: Western Thoughts I

Assignment Submitted

To
Mr. Taher Sawkat

Lecturer, Bandarban Govt. College

Submitted
By
Mohammad Sayedul Hoque
Registration No: 1087
Roll No: 401094
Section: B
Semester: 2nd
Batch: 40th

Date of Submission: May 20, 2024

Abstract
This paper delves into the life and philosophy of Immanuel Kant, a pivotal figure in modern
thought. It begins by exploring his life in Königsberg, highlighting his dedication to scholarship
and the development of his philosophical ideas. The core of the paper focuses on Kant's major
works, including the Critique of Pure Reason, which examines the limits of human knowledge,
and the Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, which lays the foundation for his deontological
ethics centered on the Categorical Imperative. Further analysis explores Kant's concept of
Transcendental Idealism, emphasizing the role of the mind in shaping experience, and the
concept of the Sublime in aesthetics. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the enduring
impact of Kant's ideas on ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics, highlighting how his work
continues to influence various fields of study even today.

Immanuel Kant, the philosopher who would forever alter the landscape of modern
thought, emerged from a relatively simple beginning. Born in 1724 in Königsberg,
Prussia (present-day Kaliningrad, Russia), Kant's early life was shaped by a strong
sense of duty and discipline instilled by his pietistic upbringing. His education at the
prestigious Collegium Fridericianum exposed him to the rigor of classical thought,
where his intellectual potential, particularly in Latin and logic, began to shine.
Enrolling at the University of Königsberg in 1740, Kant initially followed the expected
path of theology. However, his interests soon gravitated towards science and
philosophy, particularly captivated by the ideas of Isaac Newton. Financial hardship
forced him to become a private tutor after his father's death in 1746. Despite these
challenges, Kant continued his intellectual pursuits, publishing early works on
scientific topics and ultimately completing his doctoral thesis in philosophy in 1755.
This early life, with its blend of tradition, emerging scientific thought, and personal
struggles, laid the foundation for Kant's remarkable philosophical journey.

Family Background and Early Education

● Parents: Kant was the fourth of nine children born to Johann Georg Kant, a saddle
maker, and Anna Regina Reuter. His parents were devout Lutherans, and their
pietism—a strict and personal form of Protestantism—had a significant impact on Kant's
moral and ethical outlook.

● Early Education: Kant attended the Collegium Fridericianum, a pietist school, where he
received a rigorous education focused on Latin, religious instruction, and classical
 literature. The curriculum emphasized discipline, moral education, and the humanities,
which laid the foundation for Kant's later intellectual pursuits.

University and Intellectual Development

● University of Königsberg: At 16, Kant entered the University of Königsberg (also

known as the Albertina). Initially, he studied theology but soon became more interested
in mathematics and physics, particularly the works of Isaac Newton and Christian Wolff.

● Influences: During his university years, Kant was influenced by the rationalist
philosophy of Leibniz and Wolff, as well as the empiricism of John Locke and George
Berkeley. His early works reflect attempts to reconcile these differing philosophical
perspectives.

Early Academic Career

● Private Tutor and Academic Struggles: After his father's death in 1746, Kant worked
as a private tutor for several years to support himself and his family. This period was
challenging, but it allowed him to continue his studies and develop his philosophical
ideas.

● Doctorate and Early Writings: Kant earned his doctorate in 1755 with a dissertation on
the fire phenomenon, "De Igne." He subsequently became a lecturer (Privatdozent) at
the University of Königsberg, teaching a wide range of subjects, including logic,
metaphysics, and natural science.

Early Works

● General Natural History and Theory of the Heavens (1755):

In this work, Kant proposed a nebular hypothesis for the formation of the solar system,
which anticipated later theories in cosmology.
● New Elucidation of the First Principles of Metaphysical Cognition (1755):
This treatise explored the principles of metaphysics, reflecting his early efforts to
understand the foundations of knowledge and reality.

Kant's early life was characterized by a rigorous education, personal discipline, and intellectual
curiosity. These formative experiences and influences shaped his development as one of the
most significant philosophers in Western thought, culminating in his critical philosophy that
profoundly impacted the fields of epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.
Major Works

Immanuel Kant's philosophical contributions are vast, but some works stand out for their
profound impact on Western thought. Here's a closer look at his major works:

● Critique of Pure Reason (1781)

Critique of Pure Reason is a seminal work in Western philosophy, aiming to address the limits
and scope of human understanding. The book is a cornerstone of Kant's critical philosophy,
which seeks to synthesize rationalist and empiricist traditions.

Key Themes and Contributions

1. Transcendental Idealism: Kant argues that we can only know things as they appear to
us (phenomena), not as they are in themselves (noumena). This distinction challenges
the notion that human reason can directly access objective reality.

2. A Priori Knowledge: Kant distinguishes between a priori knowledge (independent of

experience) and a posteriori knowledge (dependent on experience). He asserts that
certain fundamental concepts, such as space and time, are a priori intuitions that
structure all of our experiences.

3. Categories of Understanding: Kant introduces a set of twelve categories that he

believes the mind uses to organize experiences. These include concepts like causality
and substance, which are necessary for making sense of the world.

4. Limits of Pure Reason: Kant critiques the capacity of pure reason to comprehend
metaphysical concepts such as the existence of God, the soul, and the cosmos. He
argues that these ideas are beyond human cognitive reach when approached purely
through reason.

5. Synthetic A Priori Judgments: Kant posits that some knowledge extends our
understanding while being universally and necessarily true, combining elements of both
a priori and synthetic knowledge. Mathematics and the principles of natural science fall
into this category.

Structure and Method

The work is divided into two main parts: the Transcendental Aesthetic and the Transcendental
Logic.

● Transcendental Aesthetic:
Examines how space and time are the necessary conditions for human perception.
 ● Transcendental Logic:
Divided further into the Transcendental Analytic and the Transcendental Dialectic, it
explores the categories of understanding and the limits of metaphysical speculation.

Impact and Criticism

"Critique of Pure Reason" had a profound impact on subsequent philosophy, laying the
groundwork for German Idealism and influencing many later thinkers such as Hegel and
Schopenhauer.

However, the work has faced criticism for its dense and complex prose, which makes it
challenging to interpret. Some critics also argue that Kant's division between phenomena and
noumena creates a problematic dualism, potentially undermining the possibility of knowing
anything about reality as it is in itself.

Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" remains a pivotal text in philosophy, fundamentally reshaping
epistemology and metaphysics. Despite its challenges, its insights into the nature of human
cognition and the limits of reason continue to provoke thought and debate.

● Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)

The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals is a pivotal work by Immanuel Kant
that lays the foundation for his ethical philosophy, known as deontology. It's considered
one of his most influential works, grappling with the question: what makes an action
morally right or wrong?

Here are some key points about the Groundwork:

● The Search for a Universal Moral Law: Kant argues for a universal moral
law, one that applies to everyone regardless of circumstance. He rejects
basing morality on emotions, desires, or consequences of actions.
● The Categorical Imperative: The central principle of the Groundwork is the
Categorical Imperative. It states that we should always act according to
maxims (guiding principles) that could become universal laws. In simpler
terms, ask yourself: if everyone acted this way, would the world be a better
place? This principle forces us to consider the broader implications of our
actions and avoid hypocrisy.
● Focus on Motives: Kant emphasizes the importance of motives in
determining moral worth. An action might outwardly seem good, but if done
for the wrong reasons (e.g., seeking personal gain), it lacks true moral value.
● Examples: The Groundwork uses thought experiments to illustrate the
 Categorical Imperative. For example, lying generally violates it because a
world where everyone lied would destroy trust and communication. Similarly,
breaking a promise for personal gain would be wrong because a world where
promises weren't kept would be chaotic.

The Groundwork's ideas have been debated and reinterpreted for centuries. While
some find its emphasis on universal principles too rigid, others admire its focus on
reason and duty in moral decision-making. Understanding the Groundwork is crucial
for comprehending Kant's influential contribution to ethics and philosophy.

● Critique of Practical Reason (1788)

Following his exploration of moral principles in the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of
Morals, Immanuel Kant delves deeper into the connection between reason and morality
in his Critique of Practical Reason (1788). Here's a breakdown of this important work:

Bridging the Gap Between Reason and Morality:

● The Critique of Practical Reason builds upon the foundation laid in the
Groundwork. It seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical reason
(concerned with knowledge) and practical reason (concerned with action).

Freedom as a Prerequisite for Morality:

● A central concept in the Critique is the idea of freedom. Kant argues that for
morality to exist, we must have free will. If our actions are predetermined, then
concepts of right and wrong become meaningless.

The Postulates of Practical Reason:

The Critique introduces the concept of "postulates of practical reason." These are
beliefs that reason compels us to hold, even though they cannot be definitively
proven. Three key postulates are:

○ Freedom: The freedom of the will is a necessary condition for morality.

○ Immortality: The soul is immortal, as achieving perfect morality
requires infinite time.
○ God: The existence of God is necessary to guarantee the connection
between virtue and happiness.

Reconciling Morality and Happiness:

 ● The Critique grapples with the question of how morality and happiness can
coexist. While acting morally is the ultimate good, it doesn't always guarantee
happiness in this life. Kant suggests that God is necessary to ensure that
virtue ultimately leads to happiness in the afterlife.

Critique vs. Groundwork:

● Compared to the Groundwork, the Critique delves more into the metaphysical
realm with the postulates of reason. While the Groundwork focuses on the
practical application of the Categorical Imperative, the Critique explores the
underlying philosophical justifications for morality.

Criticisms and Significance:

● The Critique has been criticized for its reliance on unprovable postulates.
However, its emphasis on the role of reason in morality and the importance of
freedom in ethical decision-making remains influential.

By studying the Critique of Practical Reason, we gain a deeper understanding of

Kant's comprehensive ethical philosophy. It shows how reason, freedom, and even
metaphysical beliefs all intertwine in his conception of a truly moral life.

Major Ideas at A Glimpse

Immanuel Kant's philosophical ideas are a cornerstone of modern thought. Here are some of his
major ideas with brief explanations:

1. Transcendental Idealism: This theory challenges the idea that we passively

receive information about the world. Kant argues that our minds actively shape our
experience through categories like space and time. We can only know things as they
appear to us (phenomena), not things-in-themselves (noumena). Imagine it like
wearing special glasses that color how you see reality.

2. Categorical Imperative: This is the core principle of Kant's ethics. It's a universal
moral law that states we should always act in ways that could become universal
laws for everyone. Basically, treat others with respect and don't be a jerk. For
example, lying violates the Categorical Imperative because a world where everyone
lied would destroy trust and communication.
3. Deontological Ethics: This theory, championed by Kant, emphasizes the
importance of motives over consequences. An action is considered morally good if
done for the right reasons, even if the outcome is negative. Conversely, an action
with bad intentions is immoral, regardless of a positive outcome. It's not just about
the results, but why you did something.

4. The Sublime: Kant distinguishes between beauty and the sublime in aesthetics.
Beauty evokes feelings of pleasure and harmony, while the sublime is awe-inspiring
and overwhelming, sometimes tinged with fear or danger. Experiencing vastness,
power, or danger in nature can be a sublime experience, prompting a sense of
respect for something greater than ourselves. Imagine the feeling of looking up at a
massive mountain or a raging storm.

5. Freedom and Morality: Kant believed that free will is essential for moral
responsibility. We can only be truly moral if we have the capacity to choose between
right and wrong. If you're forced to be good, are you really good?

6. The Role of Reason: Reason is central to Kant's philosophy. He believed that we

should use reason to guide our actions and make moral decisions. We should strive
to be rational beings, not simply following emotions or desires.

These are just some of Kant's major ideas. His work continues to be debated and
reinterpreted today, influencing various fields like philosophy, law, and political
theory.

In conclusion,

Immanuel Kant's life and work have left an indelible mark on the landscape of
philosophy. From his exploration of the limits of knowledge in the Critique of Pure
Reason to his enduring ethical principles in the Groundwork of the Metaphysic of
Morals, Kant's ideas continue to be debated and reinterpreted. His emphasis on reason,
the importance of motives, and the concept of the Categorical Imperative provide a
framework for ethical decision-making that remains relevant today. While some aspects
of his work, like the postulates of practical reason, have been contested, his overall
influence on modern thought is undeniable. Kant's legacy lies in his ability to challenge
assumptions, ignite philosophical discourse, and offer a comprehensive perspective on
knowledge, morality, and aesthetics.