Abstract
This essay discusses philosopher Immanuel Kant's approach to the Enlightenment as presented in his work, "What is Enlightenment". The author of the paper addresses the following questions: Why did Kant choose to address the Enlightenment as he did? Is his approach as narrow as it seems to be? What exactly was the Enlightenment? Was it arborescent or rhizomatic? Depending on how it is defined, what approach should be taken to this phenomenon?

From the Paper
"The Enlightenment is an enigma in that it represents an abrupt transition from the thought of the preceding period with a subsequent transformation of all social and cultural institutions. Yet, Kant treats the Enlightenment by using an apparently very narrow focus which leads to numerous problems. "

Tags:kant, foucault, approach

Abstract
The paper discusses how Immanuel Kant rejected the validity of moral luck arguments because of the wide range of external influences he identified as he contemplated the issue of moral luck. The paper explains that upon close examination and analysis of these external influences, Kant concluded that they undermine moral assessment just as conclusively as it is undermined by the familiar excusing conditions which have often been cited by various philosophers engaging in moral luck arguments.

From the Paper
"Immanuel Kant rejected the validity of moral luck arguments because of the wide range of external influences he identified as he contemplated the issue of moral luck. Upon close examination and analysis of these external influences, Kant concluded that they undermine moral assessment just as conclusively as it is undermined by the familiar excusing conditions which have often been cited by various philosophers engaging in moral luck arguments."

Tags:kant, moral, luck

Abstract
This paper explores the views of philosopher Immanuel Kant. This paper details Kant's opinion that an epistemological approach to metaphysics would lead to the development of universally valid moral laws. The writer of this paper describes the philosopher's desire to create a more scientific system of pure moral principles which led him to reject all considerations of empirical concepts or conditions. This paper also discusses Kant's belief that human moral conduct should be guided and measured by pure reason, which alone could be made to account for the intrinsic worth of moral actions. The writer also touches on Kant's skepticism about human sincerity which led him to take into consideration the role that environment plays in molding and influencing human conduct.

From the Paper
"Interestingly, Kant did take into consideration the conflict between the ideal of a moral world that is guided by pure reason and the natural world. Indeed, this is evident in his observation that the success of the idea of a moral world in influencing the world of sense would depend on "the condition that everyone does what he ought to do, i.e., the condition that all actions of rational beings occur as they would if they sprang from a supreme will." However, for Kant, the ultimate goal of a moral world was still an idea worth pursuing because it possessed the ideal of human conduct being "worthy of happiness." In other words, Kant was of the view that the idea of such a moral world could influence and develop human reason, and thereby lead to the highest ontological perfection as a principle of systematic unity, which would connect all things according to universal and necessary laws."

Tags:philosophy, morality, biography, ethics, enlightenment

Abstract
The paper provides a biography of Immanuel Kant and discusses how he was influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The paper explains Kant's ideas and the application of his philosophy. The paper relates that contemporary philosophers consider Kant to be the most significant contributor to the development of Western philosophy.

Outline:
Introduction
Biography
Contemporaries
Ideas
Application
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A simplistic overview of Kant's response to these questions is that our knowledge is confined to the scientific understanding of the natural, empirical world; however, Kant believed that in addition to math and science, humankind could expand their knowledge through the exploration of metaphysics. Kant disputed contemporary philosophers of his time in that he deemed knowledge to be inhibited by the mind's involvement in creating the characteristics of our experiences; hence, the limitation of our ability to enter different realms of space and time (McCormick, 2006)."

Tags:metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, Rousseau, categorical, imperative

Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the ideas and theories of German philosopher Immanuel Kant. According to the paper, Kant rejects St. Augustine's ontological argument in that reason is too limited to know anything that is beyond human experience and, therefore, cannot prove the existence of God. The paper goes on to say that Kant does, however, accept that religion can be established by the operations of morality in the human mind or by practical reason. Thus, God's existence becomes a necessary presupposition to objective, moral judgments, which extend beyond mere relative moral preferences.

From the Paper
"Despite his rejection of ideas as objects of experience or speculative thought, Kant recognizes the legitimate function of ideas in thinking (Peters 2004). He believes that ideas can be used as "regulative." This means that they can be treated as if they were true in directing the understanding to a certain objective or purpose and to give concepts "the greatest possible unity in combination with the greatest possible extension (Kant 1945 as qtd in Peters)." These ideas can, then, provide the possibility for completeness and unity of experience. He also acknowledges the role of ideas in practical reason (Peters)."

Tags:judgment, human, mind, God, religion, belief, faith, finite, knowledge

Abstract
This paper explains that St. Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant were born nearly half a millennium apart and, on the surface, both their styles of argumentation and their general approaches to philosophy appear equally distanced from each other; however, both wished to solidify the fundamental knowledge of God. The author points out that Kant's metaphysics was a legitimate attempt at developing a kind of ultimate science that would guarantee the truth of knowledge. The paper relates that, similarly, Aquinas attempted to assert that some of mankind's most centrally held beliefs can be justified through the application of rational thought; specifically, he attempted to generate a comprehensive argument both in favor of the existence of God, which backs the most central doctrines of the Church.

From the Paper
"Thomas Aquinas was even more ensconced in the traditional Catholic hierarchy and interpretations of existence than Immanuel Kant. Aquinas' central focus was upon the questions pertaining to the relationship between God and man, and God and the natural world. Primarily he wanted to investigate what aspects of the world betray the existence of God, and consequently, why His existence is questioned so readily. Eventually, his writings would become the accepted textbooks of theology for the Church, and accordingly, would forever possess a certain stigma for either those who were non-Christians or non-Catholics particularly after the protestant reformation. Undeniably, though, Aquinas' methods were decidedly rational. That is, he endeavored to arrive at abstract claims as to the nature of God and the world by observing physical anomalies. This contrasted him strongly with most philosophers from his age, by virtue of the fact that he believed true faith required analytical investigation; but, it made him similar to Kant, who believed that faith in God and the righteousness of our actions require critical analysis."

Tags:rationalist, aristotle, analytical, gtermanic, categorical-imperative.

Abstract
This paper focuses on the philosophical theory of Immanuel Kant. Kant was a German thinker who has made invaluable contribution to the field of philosophy. He presented his views on different subjects in his various famous books such as the Critique of Pure Reason (1781), and Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals (1785).

Abstract
An examination of John Mill and Immanuel Kant's theories on ethics. The author examines Mill's view of hedonistic ethics and Kant's view of reason and intentions. The author explains and compares these two point of views.

From the Paper
"Ethics, being as broad and opinion-based as it is, can be a difficult issue not only to define, but also to explain clearly to others. In the 18 and 19 hundreds two outgoing philosophers set forth to provide moral theories formed with concrete information, to add to the foundation of ethics. These two men were John Mill and Immanuel Kant, and their views were known as Utilitarianism and Kantian theory respectively. Both avoid interlacing their own opinions, in hope of finding a greater genuineness to their conjectures. Mill offers us a hedonistic ethics, full of pleasure and ends, while Kant proposes ridged principles of reason and intentions. Due to the fact that the subject is so hard to understand, many times their work must be interpreted and simplified. This paper will attempt to do just that, clarify the conjectures of these two theorists."

Tags:consequentialism, deontology, ethics, kantian, utilitarianism

Abstract
This paper explains why Immanuel Kant has provided me with the best direction for resolving ethical problems. His focus on duty appeals to me, but I find he is best combined with other philosophers.

Abstract
This essay compares moral decision-making in perspectives offered by sociologist Peter Berger and philosopher Immanuel Kant. Issues of free will, "bad faith" and individual choices in social contexts are discussed.

Tags:concept, of, freedom