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mattinthebooks's review against another edition
3.0
I can’t give this less than a three, because the ideologies in this book are foundational to almost any kind of modern thought (whether they’re born out of alliance with or opposition to Kant).
However, I don’t know if it’s a translation I read or Kant himself, but some of this is unreadable until you sit with it for a while. That could be considered good or bad depending on what you think philosophical writing should do to the reader, but personally I’m miffed about it and I’m going to be pouty since Kant can’t do anything about it.
And as the categorical imperative would suggest, you ought not berate me unless you’re feeling up to a bit of berating yourself
However, I don’t know if it’s a translation I read or Kant himself, but some of this is unreadable until you sit with it for a while. That could be considered good or bad depending on what you think philosophical writing should do to the reader, but personally I’m miffed about it and I’m going to be pouty since Kant can’t do anything about it.
And as the categorical imperative would suggest, you ought not berate me unless you’re feeling up to a bit of berating yourself
josh_paul's review against another edition
3.0
Ugh, just imagine what the world would be like if everyone read Kant (shudders).
aspiringorakle's review
1.0
yeah i understood about 30% of this, but i did figure out (i think) why his analysis of freedom doesn't work
worth a reread if only to kick it to the curb with more certainty
worth a reread if only to kick it to the curb with more certainty
wutwah's review against another edition
3.0
An influential work describing the Categorical Imperative and that objective morality was necessary.
janellephant's review
5.0
Kant's complicated writing style makes this the single most difficult thing I've ever attempted to read, but his concept of a universal moral principle nonetheless utterly fascinates me. I was completely captivated to see Kant lay the groundwork for modern notions of universal human rights and dignity, putting aside the fact that every single page takes you a solid 10 minutes to read and fully understand. If only he had presented such brilliant ideas in a more comprehensible fashion.
Also, the Kant puns are endless. I Kant.
Also, the Kant puns are endless. I Kant.
fritzh8u's review against another edition
3.0
Not light reading. You'll think about the concepts and not go back to the book.
tienno22's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.5
Kant makes some good points and presents some foundations for our modern morals. He provides the foundations for "good for goodness sake" and the modern golden rule. He introduces the idea of treating people as ends rather than means. He describes the difference between rational beings versus animals.
While he is important in philosophical thought, Kant is also a disorganized and confusing writer. He has great ideas that are interesting to see as foundations of modern morals. However, they are not good for realistic applications because there are many exceptions, blind spots, and rules. Great to read to understand and see where our current morals come from (historical side), but not great if you're looking to gain separate insight.
While he is important in philosophical thought, Kant is also a disorganized and confusing writer. He has great ideas that are interesting to see as foundations of modern morals. However, they are not good for realistic applications because there are many exceptions, blind spots, and rules. Great to read to understand and see where our current morals come from (historical side), but not great if you're looking to gain separate insight.