Inspirations from Kant

These essays on Kant's theoretical philosophy, besides deriving inspiration from him, bring insights from contemporary analytical philosophy to bear in interpreting some of his most deep and difficult themes. The topics covered include representation and reality, appearances and things in themselves, the given and synthesis, transcendental idealism, the limits of scientific explanation, knowledge, belief and faith, freedom of judgment, different levels of operation within the mind, and determinism and free will. Though written separately (and in some cases already published), the essays bear close relations with each other, and these inter-relations have been emphasized and signposted in preparing revised versions for this book. This collection of essays features a variety of concrete examples (and occasional humor) to illustrate and illuminate the very abstract themes of Kant's philosophy. It is designed to be readable with enjoyment and profit by those who do not count themselves as Kant scholars.