Kant and the Path of German Idealism - (Contemporary Studies in Idealism) by Daniel Patrick Kelly (Hardcover)

About the Book

Kant and the Path of German Idealism examines numerous key texts from the rich philosophical period spanning from Kant through Hegel to illuminate the consequential development of Kant's core systematic principles by his successors, ultimately arguing in favor of the strength of Kant's discursive epistemic foundation.

Book Synopsis

Kant's critical philosophy emerged within a philosophical landscape ripe for change, and it provided an unprecedented blueprint for how to scientifically, ethically, and spiritually reconcile subjective experience within the unique realities of modernity. Nevertheless, Kant's critical system encountered numerous challenges along its path toward influence. Drawing upon key texts from the Golden Age of philosophical scholarship from Kant to Hegel, Kant and the Path of German Idealism illuminates the trajectory of Kant's critical foundation as it was initially received, developed, and ostensibly usurped. What emerges from Daniel Patrick Kelly's reading of this philosophical period is the fundamental centrality of Kant's discursive account of cognition. Kelly contends that the early and steady erosion of the Kantian discursive foundation-which is theoretically central to the strength, integrity, and applicability of the Kantian system-was largely due to persistent Neo-Spinozist developments, misunderstandings of Kant's radical ideas, and the inability of Kant himself to sufficiently defend and further explicate his epistemology. This book also examines the revisionist developments of the immanent systems of Kant's German Idealist successors, presenting their systematic efforts as cautionary tales in their coice to reject Kant's epistemic wisdom.

Review Quotes

"Kelly's provocative and engaging Kant and the Path of German Idealism argues that the absorption of Kant's critical system by his German idealist successors went far beyond the epistemic boundaries carefully outlined by Kant's sober critique of reason .. This work will be of great interest to scholars, and to students who have sufficient background in the history of philosophy." --CHOICE

About the Author

Daniel Patrick Kelly is director of administration and strategy in the Office of Curriculum, Assessment & Teaching Transformation at the University at Buffalo.