Dreams of a Spirit Seer, illustrated by dreams of metaphysics
| Title | Dreams of a Spirit Seer, illustrated by dreams of metaphysics |
|---|---|
| Original title | Träume eines Geistersehers, erläutert durch Träume der Metaphysik |
| Author | by Immanuel Kant; transl. by Emanuel F. Goerwitz & ed., w. an introd & notes, by Frank Sewall |
| Publication | Sonnenschein |
| Size | XIV, 159p |
| Language |  ENG |
| ISBN | |
| Topics |
Philosophy--German--18th century Swedenborg, Emanuel (Polymath, 1688-1772) Parapsychology and occultism |
| Notes | Four incidents of purported psychic ability of Swedenborg exist in the literature. In 1763, the philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), then at the beginning of his career, was impressed by these accounts and made inquiries to find out if they were true. In 1766, Kant wrote and published anonymously this book that was a scathing critique of Swedenborg and his writings. He termed Swedenborg a "spook hunter" "without official office or occupation". As rationale for his critique, Kant said he wanted to stop "ceaseless questioning” and inquiries about Dreams from "inquisitive" persons, both known and unknown", and "importunate appeals from known and unknown friends", as well as from "moon calves". Kant also said he did not want to expose himself to ”mockery.” Dreams was intended as a refutation of all such thinking. This left Kant in the ironic or hypocritical position of trying to free himself of ridicule while he at the same time ridiculed Swedenborg. Kant's writing style was usually "complex, labored, dry ...and earnest" but in Dreams was often “playful, ironic and humorous". [wikipedia] |
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