Kant, Immanuel

Bio Sketch

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a German philosopher of the Enlightenment, founder of critical philosophy. Kant's critical project tested the viability of ideas to ascertain how they can have constructive effect on the world. His work spans epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy. Kant grounded his vision using the architectural metaphor of the modest "dwelling house" rather than speculative "castles in the sky."

Key Works

• Critique of Pure Reason (1781)
• Critique of Practical Reason (1788)
• Critique of Judgment (1790)

Key Concepts

• cosmopolitics
• sublime
• dwelling
• enlightenment
• aesthetic-judgment

Relevance to Geoffrey's Research

Kant provides foundations for thinking about cosmopolitics, sustainability, and the ethical dimensions of architecture. His concept of the sublime offers an expanded notion of architectural experience beyond beauty.

Source Support

• morgan-kant-for-architects
• kidder-gadamer-for-architects