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Kant's System of Perspectives: An Architectonic Interpretation of the Critical Philosophy

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Palmquist is the first commentator on Kant who makes sense. The system of perspectives that is implicit throughout Kant's writings becomes explicit -- even diagrammed -- in Palmquist's interpretation.

*Kant's System of Perspectives* is the first volume of a planned -- but, alas, long delayed -- four-volume series. *KSP* provides an overview of Kant's whole philosophical system.

The book's detailed table of contents, glossary, and full index are useful aids to the serious reader.

Palmquist is clearly a teacher. He explains everything. He provides plenty of cross-references. He documents his assertions, citing both other modern scholars and Kant's own writings, especially Critique of Pure Reason. Palmquist is also forthright in saying that his presentation of Kant's system is an interpretation -- which means that Palmquist had to fill in gaps for Kant's notorious vagueries and missing elements. But overall, it is indeed Kant's system of perspectives that emerges. The evidence for various elements of the system range from certain to merely plausible -- which is understandable given Kant's chaotic and uneven presentation of his own philosophy.

If you are a serious student of Kant -- like him or not -- Palmquist's KSP is very helpful, even if you end up disagreeing with parts of the interpretation.