Kant
Prussian philosopher whose critical philosophy revolutionized epistemology and ethics. Kant argued that knowledge requires both sensory experience and rational concepts; morality grounds in pure reason through the categorical imperative. His Critique of Pure Reason addressed the structure of human knowledge; his Critique of Practical Reason grounded ethics in reason alone.
Real World
When AI companies like DeepMind design systems that must make decisions independently of human oversight, critics invoke Kant's insistence that rational autonomy is uniquely human — illustrating why his philosophy remains contested in contemporary ethics.
Exam Focus
Situate Kant historically (Enlightenment rationalism) in 'evaluate' questions — context earns AO1 credit and strengthens AO2 critique.
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