The Critique of Pure Reason
The Critique of Pure Reason, published in 1781 and revised in 1787, is Immanuel Kant's examination of what the mind can and cannot know. Kant argues that space and time are forms of our perception rather than features of things in themselves, that concepts such as cause and substance are rules the understanding brings to experience, and that knowledge is therefore possible of the world as it appears but not of the world beyond appearance. In the second half he shows why reason nevertheless keeps asking about the soul, the universe and God, and why its traditional proofs fail. The book is difficult and changed philosophy permanently; J. M. D. Meiklejohn's translation of 1855 was long the standard English version. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
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Frequently asked questions about The Critique of Pure Reason
The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Critique of Pure Reason online?
Yes. The Critique of Pure Reason opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Critique of Pure Reason free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Critique of Pure Reason is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Critique of Pure Reason in the public domain?
Yes. The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant is a public-domain work, here in the translation by J. M. D. Meiklejohn. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Critique of Pure Reason?
About 13 h 53 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Critique of Pure Reason?
The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
