Books

First edition of these three essays on philosophy's relationship with theology, law, and medicine, printed on thicker paper with wide margins. Kant's later correspondence shows that he often commissioned several copies of his works, including the Critik der Urtheilskraft (1790), on thicker paper, for presentation to close associates. This copy may suggest a similar commission. In 1794, Kant had promised King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia that he would refrain from publishing any further material on religion. However, Friedrich Wilhelm died in 1797, and Kant then regarded his promise as void: this collection was the result. Kant reflects on the differences in responsibility and outlook between the "lower" university faculty of philosophy and the three "higher" faculties, of which theology was for him the most prominent. The paper carries the watermark of Pieter de Vries, a prominent Dutch papermaker. Octavo (212 x 136 mm). Contemporary marbled paper over boards, spine ruled in gilt and with red paper label. Twentieth-century woodblock bookplate of "Josef Kiefhaber" to front pastedown. Bumping and wear, slight loss to spine ends and label, affecting text, minor browning and foxing to endpapers and contents, gutter cracked between gatherings C and D: a very good copy. Adickes 96A; Sraffa 2916; Warda 193.

Immanuel Kant's 'The Conflict of the Faculties' explores the competing authorities of the faculties within a university framework, advocating for the autonomy of philosophical inquiry.