Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is arguably the most influential of the Enlightenment Philosophers. In this outstanding introduction, Paul Guyer introduces and assesses all the major aspects of Kant's thought.
Beginning with a helpful overview of Kant's life and times, Guyer introduces the "Copernican revolution" Kant brought about in metaphysics and epistemology, carefully introducing his arguments about the nature of experience, space and time in his most influential but difficult work, The Critique of Pure Reason. He gives a much-needed explanation of Kant's famous theory of transcendental idealism, a cornerstone of his philosophy as a whole.
He then examines Kant's moral philosophy, clearly explaining Kant's celebrated "categorical imperative" and his theories of duty, freedom of the will, and rights. Finally, he covers Kant's aesthetics, in particular his arguments about the nature of beauty and the sublime and their relation to human freedom and happiness.
A concluding chapter considers Kant's legacy and his influence on the shape of contemporary philosophy.
Kant is an ideal starting point for anyone coming to the philosopher for the first time, as well as those studying Kant in related disciplines.