Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View

Description

Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View essentially reflects the last lectures Kant gave for his annual course in anthropology, which he taught from 1772 until his retirement in 1796. The lectures were published in 1798, with the largest first printing of any of Kant's works. Intended for a broad audience, they reveal not only Kant's unique contribution to the newly emerging discipline of anthropology, but also his desire to offer students a practical view of the world and of humanity's place in it. With its focus on what the human being 'as a free-acting being makes of himself or can and should make of himself,' the Anthropology also offers readers an application of some central elements of Kant's philosophy. This volume offers an annotated translation of the text by Robert B. Louden, together with an introduction by Manfred Kuehn that explores the context and themes of the lectures. Contents Introduction Chronology Further reading Note on the text and translation Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View Preface Contents Part I: Anthropological Didactic. On the way of cognizing the interior as well as the exterior of the human being Book I On the cognitive faculty Book II The feeling of pleasure and displeasure Book III On the faculty of desire Part II: Anthropological Characteristic. On the way of cognizing the interior of the human being from the exterior A The character of the person B The character of the sexes C The character of the peoples D The character of the races E The character of the species Index