Immanuel Kant 
Critique of Practical Reason (Kritik der praktischen Vernunft) 

Immanuel Kant’s ‘Critique of Practical Reason’ is a seminal work in the field of ethics, providing a profound exploration of the principles underlying moral judgment. Written in a rigorous and systematic style, Kant dissects the concept of practical reason and its application to moral decision-making. Drawing on his philosophical framework of transcendental idealism, Kant argues for the existence of objective moral laws that are binding on all rational beings. The book delves into the nature of duty, free will, and the relationship between the moral law and human autonomy, offering insights that continue to influence ethical thought to this day. Kant’s exploration of the nature of moral principles and their application in practical reasoning sets a standard for ethical inquiry and philosophical discourse. His clear and systematic arguments make this work essential reading for anyone interested in moral philosophy or the foundations of ethical thought.

About the author

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) was a German philosopher who is universally recognized as a central figure in modern philosophy. His comprehensive and systematic work in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics greatly influenced all subsequent philosophy, often forming the very framework for contemporary debates and research. Born in Königsberg, which is today Kaliningrad, Russia, Kant was the fourth of nine children. Throughout his life, he was an academic and a rigorous thinker. He never traveled far from his hometown, yet his philosophical ideas have traversed the globe. One of his most pivotal works is the ‘Critique of Practical Reason’ (Kritik der praktischen Vernunft, 1788), where he further elaborates on his moral philosophy, which was first introduced in the ‘Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals’ (Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten, 1785), and establishes the concept of the categorical imperative as the fundamental principle of moral law. A defining trait of Kant’s literary style is his dense and complex prose, which is often meticulous and replete with technical terms that he introduced into philosophical discourse. The ‘Critique of Practical Reason’ is integral to Kant’s critical project and is a continuation of his assessment of reason, following the ‘Critique of Pure Reason’ (Kritik der reinen Vernunft, 1781). What distinguishes Kant’s work is his unwavering commitment to the idea of autonomy and the importance of duty, which has left an indelible mark on the field of ethics. His contributions have continued to provoke discussion and inspire thinkers across multiple disciplines, from philosophy to political theory and beyond.