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Max Mueller Bhavan | India

300 Years of Kant

Immanuel Kant Illustration by Antje Herzog

Kant’s work is considered to be the pinnacle of Enlightenment philosophy. The philosopher was born in Königsberg, now Kaliningrad, in 1724. His maxim that we should use our reason seems more relevant and pressing today than ever before. What lessons can we learn from Kant? Where did Kant fail in his endeavours? What are the abysses and darker sides of the Enlightenment? This is what our Kant special is all about.

Discovering Kant

Immanuel Kant in Königsberg Illustration by Antje Herzog

Shoshana Liessmann
Commemorating Immanuel Kant

On the 300th anniversary of his birth, Immanuel Kant will be celebrated in 2024 as a revolutionary thinker and one of the most prominent philosophers of the Enlightenment. But at the same time, his philosophical cosmos and persona will also be under critical scrutiny. Shoshana Liessmann provides an overview.

Kant's Reception In India

© Dr Bindu Puri

Bindu Puri, Jawaharlal Nehru University
 A Journey Through Philosophy and Culture

Are Kant's ideas resonating across cultures and religions? Prof. Bindu Puri outlines how Kant's writing shaped modern Indian philosophy and influenced figures like Rabindranath Tagore.

Dr Apaar Kumar © Dr Apaar Kumar

Apaar Kumar, Ahmedabad University
 Kant’s moral philosophy

What is Kants concept of the intrinsic dignity of all humans based on? Prof. Apaar Kumar explores Kant's insights and their implications for contemporary thought.
Dr Kanchana Mahadevan © Dr Kanchana Mahadevan

Kanchana Mahadevan, University of Mumbai
 Kant’s idea of free thought

Why is Kant's notion of free thought still relevant in 2024? Prof. Kanchana Mahadevan explores Kant's insights and their resonance with contemporary thought.
© Dr Rajeev Bhargava

Rajeev Bhargava, Director, Parekh Institute of Indian Thought
 Kant's Relevance in Contemporary India

Prof. Bhargava delves into Kant's moral dictum and its implications in today's world of capitalism, shedding light on the importance of treating humanity as an end in itself.

Insights into Kant

Immanuel Kant Illustration by Antje Herzog

Felix Heidenreich
 Life in the Kantian world

“The Philosopher’s Servant” is a novel about Immanuel Kant and the people who were intimately connected to him. In this interview, author Felix Heidenreich talks about Kant the “media junkie”, his morning routines and about the Enlightenment ideals that have enduring relevance in 2024.
Immanuel Kant – He’s a pool wizard! Illustration by Antje Herzog

Fun Facts
How well do you know Kant?

Kant, billiards pro? Style-savvy colour consultant in all things fashion? Culinary connoisseur? Our fun facts teach you so much about the great philosopher Immanuel Kant, you’ll win every pub quiz hands down.
Kant: book covers © Reclam, C.H. Beck, Propyläen, Wallstein, Wienand / Canva

Cherrypicker
 Kant is by no means rigid!

300 years ago, on 22 April 1724, Immanuel Kant was born. In this anniversary year, he is being honoured, celebrated and critically examined as an important philosopher and pioneer of the Enlightenment. Here is a small selection of current books about him.
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