An overview of Immanuel Kant By Scott Haywood Philosophy 101 Harold McSwain, Ph.D. The exploration into Immanuel Kant's thought is one of, insight, perception, and open-mindedness. His work in the field of philosophy and intellectual development spanned over thirty-five years. He wrote on virtually all philosophical topics but his love was in the branch of metaphysics. His role in the evolvement of modern thought is vast and profound. Immanuel Kant was born, lived, and died in Konigsberg, East Prussia. Although he never left East Prussia, he is one of the most highly regarded philosophers of modern times. This paper will be an overview of his thoughts. We can divide Kant's career into four phases. The First of which stems from 1746 to 1759, this is referred to as the "period of infatuation". During this time, his main propose was to provide a foundation for metaphysics. Correspondingly, he developed a rationalist epistemology that could justify the possibility of the knowledge of God and what Kant refers to as, the first causes of nature.(1) The second phase from, 1760 to 1766, is called the, "period of disillusionment". In this phase he broke from his earlier epistomolgy and was prone towards a more, Cartisain, skeptical, view point. Kant rejected the possibility of metaphysics transcending the limits of experience.(1) The third phase, 1760 to 1766, was called "partial reconciliation", he returned to metaphysics in the belief that he could finally provide a solid foundation for it. He also sketched plans for his thoughts on ontology.(1) The fourth and final phase of Kant's career, 1772 to 1780, is referred to as the, "period of divorce". At this point in his career, he had realized that his renewed confidence in metaphysics could not solve one fundamental problem: "How ...