Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Critique of Pure Reason

   

   This philosophical work delves into the nature and limits of human knowledge, proposing that while our knowledge begins with experience, it doesn't necessarily arise out of experience. The author argues that pure reason itself has the ability to contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the universe. He further explores the concept of metaphysics, asserting that while it is possible, it is also severely limited by the human mind's ability to comprehend it.

   The 381st Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. Perpetual Peace

   A Philosophical Sketch

   

   The book outlines a philosophical framework for achieving lasting global peace through the establishment of a federation of free states governed by the rule of law and mutual respect. It argues that true peace is attainable only when nations adopt republican constitutions, respect human rights, and engage in transparent, cooperative international relations. The author emphasizes the importance of moral principles in politics and proposes practical steps, such as disarmament and the abolition of standing armies, to prevent war and promote harmony among nations.

   The 2994th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Observations On The Feeling Of The Beautiful And Sublime

   

   The book explores the complex interplay between the concepts of beauty and sublimity, examining how these aesthetic experiences influence human emotions and moral judgments. It delves into the subjective nature of these feelings, proposing that beauty evokes a sense of harmony and pleasure, while the sublime inspires awe and respect through its vastness and power. The work also considers the cultural and gender differences in perceiving beauty and the sublime, suggesting that these experiences are deeply intertwined with personal and societal values. Through this analysis, the book lays the groundwork for understanding aesthetic appreciation as a significant aspect of human experience.

4. 4. An Answer To The Question

   What is Enlightenment?

   

   In this seminal essay, the author explores the concept of enlightenment, defining it as humanity's emergence from self-imposed immaturity, characterized by the inability to use one's understanding without guidance from another. The work emphasizes the importance of courage and freedom in the pursuit of knowledge, urging individuals to think independently and question established norms. It advocates for a society where free thought is encouraged, suggesting that this intellectual liberation is essential for progress and the betterment of humanity. The essay underscores the role of public discourse and the responsibility of individuals to contribute to the enlightenment process.
5. 5. Groundwork Of The Metaphysics Of Morals

   

   Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785; German: Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten; also known as the Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Grounding of the Metaphysics of Morals, and the Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals) is the first of Immanuel Kant's mature works on moral philosophy and the first of his trilogy of major works on ethics alongside the Critique of Practical Reason and The Metaphysics of Morals. It remains one of the most influential in the field. Kant conceives his investigation as a work of foundational ethics—one that clears the ground for future research by explaining the core concepts and principles of moral theory, and showing that they are normative for rational agents. Kant proposes to lay bare the fundamental principle of morality and show that it applies to us. Central to the work is the role of what Kant refers to as the categorical imperative, which states that one must act only according to maxims which one could will to become a universal law. Kant argues that the rightness of an action is determined by the principle that a person chooses to act upon. This stands in stark contrast to the moral sense theories and teleological moral theories that dominated moral philosophy at the time of Kant's career. The Groundwork is broken into a preface, followed by three sections. Kant begins from common-sense moral reason and shows by analysis the supreme moral law that must be its principle. He then argues that the supreme moral law in fact obligates us. The book is famously difficult, and it is partly because of this that Kant later, in 1788, decided to publish the Critique of Practical Reason.