Immanuel Kant

Academic / Scholar

German · 18th century

German philosopher known for the categorical imperative, the principle that one should act only according to rules that could be universalized.

Connection to Taylor Swift

Uncle Jerry uses Kant's categorical imperative to argue that Taylor's sentimental confessional poetry in marjorie achieves universality, her personal grief for her grandmother becomes a universal moral feeling applicable to all humanity.

Notable Works

  • Critique of Pure Reason (1781), Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)