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Categorical Imperative

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Categorical Imperative
categorical imperative
n.
In the ethical system of Immanuel Kant, an unconditional moral law that applies to all rational beings and is independent of any personal motive or desire

QUICK FACTS * NAME: Immanuel Kant * OCCUPATION: Philosopher * BIRTH DATE: April 22, 1724 * DEATH DATE: February 12, 1804 * PLACE OF BIRTH: Kaliningrad (now Konigsburg), Russia * PLACE OF DEATH: Kaliningrad (now Konigsburg), Russia

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Immanuel Kant was born on April 22, 1724, in Kaliningrad (now Konigsburg), Russia. While tutoring, he published science papers, including "General Natural History and Theory of the Heavens" in 1755. He spent the next 15 years as a metaphysics lecturer. In 1781, he published the first part of Critique of Pure Reason. He published more critiques in the years preceding his death, on February 12, 1804, in Kaliningrad.

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Immanuel Kant
(1724-1804)

Immanuel Kant, German philosopher, was born in Konigsburg April 22, 1724. He entered the university there in 1740, enrolled for the study of mathematics and physics. His studies were interrupted by the death of his father, which left him in poverty. After he supported himself by tutoring for 9 years, the kindness of a friend enabled him to resume his studies, to graduate as a doctor and to qualify as a privatdocent. He occupied this position for 15 years. His lectures widened from physics to include much philosophy. Finally, after unsuccessful attempts, in 1770 he was given the chair of logic and metaphysics at Konigsburg. In 1781 his Kritik der reinen Vernunft, Critique of Pure Reason appeared, and in 1783, his Prolegomena. After the appearance of the 2nd edition of the Kritik in 1787, Kant became famous everywhere in German intellectual circles, and his views were regarded as those of an oracle. From 1792-97 he was engaged in a struggle with the government concerning his religious views. In 1794 he withdrew from society, and gave up all teaching except for one

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