Chapter One: BACKGROUND OF IMMANUEL KANT AND THOUGHTS THAT

INFLUENCED HIS WORK

1.0) INTRODUCTION

Immanuel Kant, one of the central figures in Western philosophy, was born on April 22,

1724, in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia) and lived during a tumult the Enlightenment.

This era was characterized by a burgeoning interest in reason, science, and individual rights,

which profoundly influenced Kant's philosophical inquiries (Wood, 2005). His work laid the

foundation, which emphasizes duty and moral law over Kant's intellectual development, was

significantly shaped by various. Rationalism emphasized the role of reason as the primary

source of knowledge, while empiricism underscored the importance of sensory experience

(Allison, 2004). Kant sought to reconcile these contrasting viewpoints in his critical

philosophy, ultimately proposing that human knowledge arises from both sensory

experiences and innate concepts, which he called "categories" (Kant, 1781).

In his seminal work, Critique of Pure Reason (1781), Kant proposed a revolutionary

approach that combined both rationalist and empiricist perspectives, asserting that the mind

plays an active role in shaping our experiences of reality (Kant, 1781). His exploration of the

conditions of possibility for knowledge laid the groundwork for his later ethical theories,

notably articulated in Critique of Practical Reason (1788). Here, he introduced the concept of

the categorical imperative, a foundational element in his moral philosophy, emphasizing the

necessity of universalizability in moral actions (Kant, 1788).

Moreover, Kant’s thoughts on metaphysics and epistemology were groundbreaking,

contending that while we can know phenomena (the world as it appears to us) we are limited

in our ability to know noumena (things-in-themselves) (Kant, 1781). This distinction

highlighted the boundaries of human reason. Kant also argued that our understanding of the

world is shaped by the structures of our own minds, which impose certain categories and
frameworks onto our propose that knowledge is a synthesis of sensory experience and the

inherent concepts we use to interpret that experience. In his view, while empirical knowledge

is grounded in our interactions with the world, there remains an aspect of reality—the

noumenal world—that eludes our complete comprehension.

Additionally, in his work Critique of Pure Reason (1781), Kant explored which knowledge is

possible. He noted that while we can be subjective, this distinction between the phenomenal

and the noumenal has had profound implications in subsequent fields, such as psychology

and cognitive, fostering a sense of moral responsibility. This universality principle forms the

basis for many contemporary discussions about ethics and morality. Kantian philosophy

encourages critical inquiry into the nature of reality, knowledge, and ethics, inviting us to

examine how we perceive the world and make moral judgments. His rigorous approach

underscores the importance of reason and autonomy in human decision-making, laying the

groundwork for modern philosophical thought.

Another key influence on Kant's ethics was his commitment to the principles of autonomy

and rational agency. He believed that moral agents are capable of self-governance and should

act according to maxims that can be universally applied. This idea culminated in his

formulation of the Categorical Imperative, a central tenet of his ethical theory which asserts

that one should only act according to that maxim whereby one can, at the same time, will that

it should become a universal law (Kant, 1785). This principle emphasizes the intrinsic value

of individuals and the necessity to that as a means of moral framework that could guide

ethical decision-making in society (Nakhai, 2010). The Enlightenment emphasis on

rationality, freedom, and equality resonated with Kant’s views on morality, further

solidifying his stance against moral absolutism and promoting a more nuanced understanding

of ethical behaviour.
1.1 ETHICS AS A BRANCH OF PHILOSOPHY

Ethics, often referred to as moral philosophy, is a fundamental branch of philosophy that

seeks to answer questions about what is right and wrong, good and bad, and how individuals

ought to act. As a discipline, ethics explores the nature of morality and examines the moral

principles that govern human behaviour. The importance of ethics in both personal and

societal contexts cannot be overstated, as it provides the framework within which individuals

can navigate complex moral dilemmas.

The study of ethics can be divided into several key areas: Normative ethics, which proposes

standards for determining moral behaviour; Meta-ethics, which explores the nature and

meaning of ethical concepts; and Applied ethics, which involves the application of ethical

principles to real-world situations (Pojman & Fieser, 2014). Normative ethics includes

consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, each offering distinct perspectives on how to

evaluate moral actions. For instance, consequentialism posits that the morality of an action is

determined by its outcomes, emphasizing the importance of results in ethical deliberation

(Sinnott-Armstrong, 201, deontological frameworks, particularly those articulated by

Immanuel Kant, focus on the inherent morality of actions themselves, suggesting that certain

actions are categorically right or wrong regardless of their consequences (Kant, 1785).

Kantian ethics, in particular, presents a compelling case for the role of reason and autonomy

in moral decision-making. Kant argues that moral agents must act according to

universalizable maxims, meaning that one should only act according to principles that could

be universally applied (Kant, 1785). This deontological perspective underscores the

importance of duty and ethical obligation, challenging individuals to act out of respect for

moral law rather than mere inclination and the role of community relationships in shaping

ethical individuals. This approach calls attention to the complexity of human experience and
the interconnectedness of personal and communal well-being, thus enriching ethical

discourse.

Applied ethics has emerged as a crucial area of study that addresses contemporary moral

dilemmas across various fields, including bioethics, environmental ethics, and business

ethics. This branch of ethics seeks to translate theoretical principles into actionable guidelines

for navigating complex moral issues such as euthanasia, climate change, and corporate

responsibility. By engaging with real-world problems, applied ethics demonstrates the

practical relevance of philosophical inquiry, highlighting the need for moral reasoning in

public discourse and policy-making (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Ethics extends beyond theoretical frameworks to encompass practical applications in various

domains. Business ethics, for instance, examines ethical considerations in corporate decision-

making, while medical ethics explores moral dilemmas in healthcare. Environmental ethics

focuses on our responsibilities towards the natural world, and political ethics examines the

ethical principles that should guide political action. The study of ethics is crucial for

navigating the complexities of human life. It provides a framework for understanding moral

dilemmas, making informed decisions, and fostering a just and compassionate society. By

engaging with ethical theories and applying them to real-world situations, we can strive to

live lives that are both morally sound and meaningful.

In addition, ethics as a branch of philosophy is vital for understanding and addressing the

moral dimensions of human existence. Through its exploration of normative ethics,

metaethics, and applied ethics, this field equips individuals with the tools necessary to

navigate the complexities of moral dilemmas.

1.2. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF IMMANUEL KANT

Immanuel Kant, born on April 22, 1724, in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia), is often

regarded as one of the most influential philosophers in Western philosophy. His early life was

characterized by a strict upbringing and father was a harness maker, which instilled in him a

sense of discipline and dedication to learning (Allison, 2004). He enrolled at the University of

Königsberg at the age of 16, where he studied various subjects, including mathematics,

physics, and philosophy. Kant's philosophical career truly began in the late 18th century,

during a period marked by significant intellectual upheaval known as the Enlightenment.

His seminal works include the Critique of Pure Reason (1781), which sought to address the

limitations of human understanding and establish a framework for epistemology and

metaphysics (Kant, 1781). In this groundbreaking text, Kant introduced his theory of

knowledge, which posits that while our experiences are shaped by the external world, they

are also filtered through our innate cognitive faculties. In addition to his contributions to

epistemology, Kant's ethical theories have had a profound impact on moral philosophy.

His Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785) established the groundwork for his

deontological ethics, emphasizing the importance of duty and the categorical imperative,

which posits that actions must be universally applicable as a moral law (Kant, 1785). Kant

firmly believed that rationality leads individuals to understand their moral obligations, thus

elevating ethics from a purely consequentialist perspective to one grounded in reason and

autonomy. Throughout his life, Kant maintained a strict routine, rarely leaving Königsberg

after his academic career commenced. Notably, he never married, dedicating himself wholly

to his intellectual pursuits. His works influenced numerous fields, from metaphysics to ethics,

and laid the foundation for subsequent philosophical inquiry. In the realm of ethics, his ideas

prompted debates among later thinkers, both supporting and challenging his views (Nakhai,

2020).
Kant’s contributions extend beyond philosophy; he also engaged with topics such as politics

and aesthetics. His ideas about the role of public reason and enlightenment are critical to

modern democratic thought, promoting the idea that individuals should be free to use their

reason publicly in all matters (Kant, 1784). Immanuel Kant passed away on February 12,

1804, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions on

ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy. His rigorous approach to philosophical inquiry

laid the groundwork for modern philosophy, making him a central figure in the history of

Western thought.

1.3 POSITIVE INFLUENCES ON THE WORKS OF KANT

Among the most notable positive influences on Kant's philosophy are the rationalism of René

Descartes and Baruch Spinoza. Descartes's method of systematic doubt and his assertion that

"Cogito, ergo sum" (“I think, therefore I am”) laid the groundwork for modern philosophy by

emphasizing the role of reason (Descartes, 1641). Descartes championed clarity and

distinctness in thought, ideas that resonated deeply with Kant's quest to establish a secure

foundation for knowledge. On the other hand, Spinoza's monistic view of innate ideas

(Hume, 1748). This confrontation with Hume's empiricism compelled Kant to articulate a

novel position in his seminal work, Critique of Pure Reason, where he proposed the concept

of synthetic a-priori knowledge, bridging the gap between rationalism and empiricism (Kant,

1781).

The Enlightenment movement that flourished during Kant's lifetime further catalyzed his

philosophical development. This era was characterized by an emphasis on reason,

individualism, and the power of human intellect to understand and shape the world.

Philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau played pivotal roles in
promoting ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity—principles that informed Kant's ethical

framework (Locke, 1689; Rousseau, 1762).

Kant’s moral philosophy, articulated in Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals and

Critique of Practical Reason, reflects these Enlightenment values. He posited the idea of the

categorical imperative, which underscores the importance of autonomy and the moral law

derived from rationality. For Kant, morality was not contingent upon external authority or

empirical outcomes; rather, it emanated from the rational agency of individuals, resonating

with Enlightenment ideas of self-governance and personal responsibility (Kant, 1785).

Additionally, the rise of scientific inquiry during the Enlightenment profoundly impacted

Kant’s thinking.

The works of Isaac Newton and other scientists demonstrated the power of human reason to

uncover the laws of nature, reinforcing the belief that rational investigation could lead to

objective knowledge (Newton, 1687). Kant admired the rigorous methods of science and

sought to apply similar principles to philosophy, advocating for a critical approach to

understanding concepts such as space, time, and causality. Kant’s vision of a systematic

philosophy that emphasizes the role of categories of understanding in shaping human

experience reflects this scientific influence. He argued in Critique of Pure Reason that our

experiences of the world are framed by fundamental cognitive, a critical methodology that

mirrors scientific inquiry (Kant, 1781).

The Enlightenment era, often characterized as a time of reason, science, and a burgeoning

belief in human potential, set the stage for prolific discourse that questioned traditional

authorities and explored the foundations of knowledge and ethics. This period witnessed the

emergence of thinkers who sought to illuminate the human experience through logic and

empirical observation. René Descartes initiated this journey with his foundational doubt,

encapsulated in Meditations on First Philosophy, where he famously declared, "Cogito, ergo

sum" (assertion aimed to break away from reliance on sensory experience and establish a firm

grounding in the certainty of self-consciousness).

Following Descartes, David Hume questioned the very basis of human understanding. In An

Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Hume argued that our knowledge is limited to

experiences and impressions, leading to inquiries into causation and the nature of belief. His

skepticism about the powers of reason challenged the Enlightenment’s faith in rationality,

urging a more empirical approach to knowledge.

Immanuel Kant sought to reconcile the rationalist and empiricist traditions in his work, while

our understanding begins with experience, the categories upon sensory data. This work

fundamentally altered the landscape of philosophy by insisting that reason has its limits and

that certain truths—the 'noumena'—are beyond human comprehension. In the realm of ethics,

Kant further advanced the Enlightenment's ideals in the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of

Morals. He introduced the concept of the categorical imperative, emphasizing that moral

actions should be universally applicable, thus rooting morality in rationality rather than mere

consequence or tradition. This shift underscored the notion of individual autonomy and the

capacity of individuals to legislate moral law for themselves.

John Locke, with his Two Treatises of Government, championed the principles of consent and

natural rights, laying the groundwork. His assertion that government derives its authority

from the consent of the governed echoed the Enlightenment's push against monarchies and

despotic rule, advocating instead for a society founded on liberty and equality.

Isaac Newton’s Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica exemplified the triumph of

scientific inquiry over superstition and dogma. Newton's laws of motion and universal

gravitation not only revolutionized physics but also reinforced the idea that the universe

could be understood through reason and mathematics, fuelling the confidence in human

capability to decipher nature. Together, these thinkers represent the quintessence of the
Enlightenment—a commitment to reason, individualism, and empirical knowledge, paving

the way for ongoing philosophical discourse that continues to resonate.

The positive influences on Immanuel Kant's works are manifold and interwoven. The

interplay between rationalist and empiricist traditions, coupled with the illuminating ideals of

the Enlightenment and the transformative impact of scientific thought, provided the fertile

ground from which Kant's philosophy emerged. His contributions not only addressed the

complexities of knowledge and morality but also set the stage for subsequent philosophical

discourse, embodying the spirit of an era dedicated to reason and human potential.

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