Immanuel Kant
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Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a renowned German philosopher of the Enlightenment era. Born in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia), Kant was raised in a devout Lutheran family. His philosophical career began after studying theology, mathematics, and physics at the University of Königsberg. Initially, he worked as a private tutor before returning to academia, eventually becoming a professor of logic and metaphysics. Kant's most famous work is the Critique of Pure Reason, published in 1781, which explores how reason and experience interact to form understanding. Kant's philosophy synthesized rationalism and empiricism, focusing on epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics. He introduced the doctrine of transcendental idealism, positing that space and time are forms of intuition structuring experience. Kant also developed the "categorical imperative," a moral principle based on rationality. His work significantly influenced Western philosophy, shaping discussions on morality, autonomy, and the limits of human knowledge. Kant's later years included the publication of the Critique of Practical Reason and the Critique of the Power of Judgment, further refining his philosophical stance.
