Explanation of Kantian Philosophy

Author: John Watson
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2000-05-01
Features: John Watson (1847—1939) was a philosophy professor at a Canadian university. He offered specialized courses on Kantian philosophy. Kant's philosophical works are relatively difficult to read. The author believes the following four books are most important "Critique of Pure Reason" "Metaphysics of Morals" "Critique of Practical Reason" "Critique of Judgment." He further translated the important chapters from these essential readings himself and compiled them into "Selected Readings from Kant's Philosophical Works." In class, after introducing the origins of Kantian philosophy, he explained and elaborated on the text in the order of "Selected Readings." This book is the lecture notes published in 1908. The author states that he only provides an objective introduction, which is why the book is filled with purely descriptive text. It not only explains the historical context but also clarifies the theoretical content, making it undoubtedly useful for understanding Kantian philosophy—a dualistic system full of contradictions and harmonious spirit. However, even in these places, the author's idealist views are evident. This book represents one perspective on Kantian philosophy in the Western philosophical community.