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University of the People *
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1402
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Philosophy
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Dec 6, 2023
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Written Assignment Unit 2
PHIL 1402 – Introduction to Philosophy
University of the People
Introduction:
Immanuel Kant was a prominent figure in philosophy, particularly known for his profound
contributions to metaphysics. This biographical and contextual analysis aims to provide a brief
overview of Kant's life, the era and culture that influenced him, and the reasons why studying his
metaphysical views remains compelling to modern students of philosophy.
Biographical Background:
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a German philosopher born in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad,
Russia). Despite his modest upbringing, Kant received a rigorous education and became a respected
scholar. He taught at the University of Königsberg and developed a philosophical system that
transformed various disciplines, including metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. Kant's major
works, such as "Critique of Pure Reason," "Critique of Practical Reason," and "Critique of
Judgment," established his reputation as one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy
(Wikipedia, n.d.).
Era and Cultural Influences:
Kant lived during the Enlightenment, a period characterized by a renewed emphasis on reason,
scientific inquiry, and skepticism towards traditional authority. This era witnessed a shift towards
rationality and secularization, challenging long-held religious and metaphysical beliefs. Kant's
thought was significantly influenced by this intellectual climate, as well as the works of
philosophers like René Descartes, David Hume, and Christian Wolff. The Enlightenment's emphasis
on individual autonomy, the pursuit of knowledge, and the questioning of established doctrines
resonated with Kant's philosophical endeavors (The Ethics Centre, 2021).
Reason I selected Immanuel Kant:
Kant's metaphysical philosophy is particularly intriguing and relevant to contemporary
philosophical study due to its unique approach. His metaphysical challenge centered around
understanding the limits and possibilities of human knowledge. Kant proposed that knowledge is
structured by the interaction of innate categories of understanding (the "a priori") and sensory
experience (the "a posteriori") (The Ethics Centre, 2021).. He argued for the existence of synthetic a
priori judgments, which are truths not dependent solely on empirical observation. Kant's
metaphysical views revolutionized the field, paving the way for critical analysis of knowledge, the
nature of reality, and the boundaries of human understanding.
Metaphysical Challenge:
Immanuel Kant's metaphysical challenge revolved around reconciling rationalism and empiricism
while investigating the limits and nature of human knowledge. He sought to address the question of
how we can have knowledge of the world and whether there are any inherent limitations to human
understanding. Kant aimed to establish the possibility and validity of synthetic a priori judgments,
which are propositions that go beyond mere empirical observations and are universally true.
Examples of Kant's View:
Kant argued that our knowledge is structured by a combination of innate categories of
understanding and sensory experience. He posited that space and time are a priori intuitions through
which we perceive the world. Additionally, he introduced the concept of "transcendental idealism,"
suggesting that we can never know things as they are in themselves but only as they appear to us
through the structures of our minds.
Opinion about Kant's View:
Kant's metaphysical perspective continues to be compelling for modern students of philosophy for
several reasons. Firstly, his philosophy prompts critical examination of the foundations of
knowledge, challenging us to question the extent of human understanding and the limits of reason.
Secondly, his synthesis of rationalism and empiricism offers a unique framework for analyzing the
relationship between concepts and experience. Lastly, Kant's moral philosophy, rooted in his
metaphysical ideas, provides insights into ethical reasoning and the autonomy of the moral agent.
Personal Reaction:
The metaphysical discourse offered by Immanuel Kant is undoubtedly significant. Kant's
exploration of the limits and structures of human knowledge invites intellectual curiosity and
philosophical introspection. Personally, I find his distinction between the phenomenal and
noumenal realms thought-provoking, as it challenges our perceptions of reality and raises important
questions about the nature of existence. Kant's metaphysics offers a rich framework for
philosophical inquiry and encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities of human
cognition and perception.
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References
The Ethics Centre. (2021, April 12).
Big Thinker: Immanuel Kant
. Big Thinker.
https://ethics.org.au/big-thinker-immanuel-
kant/#:~:text=One%20of%20Kant's%20greatest
%20contributions,the%20outcome%20of%20the%20action.
Wikipedia. (n.d.).
Immanuel Kant
. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant
References
Tzu, S. (1963). The Art of War. Translated by S. B. Griffith. Oxford University Press.