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    Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)
    Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)
    Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)
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    Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)

    By Immanuel Kant

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    This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Collected Works of Immanuel Kant’.

    Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of Kant includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily.

    eBook features:
    * The complete unabridged text of ‘Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’
    * Beautifully illustrated with images related to Kant’s works
    * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook
    * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPublishdrive
    Release dateJul 17, 2017
    ISBN9781788777131
    Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)
    Author

    Immanuel Kant

    Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher and is known as one of the foremost thinkers of Enlightenment. He is widely recognized for his contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics.

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      Book preview

      Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven by Immanuel Kant - Delphi Classics (Illustrated) - Immanuel Kant

      The Collected Works of

      IMMANUEL KANT

      VOLUME 1 OF 19

      Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven

      Parts Edition

      By Delphi Classics, 2016

      Version 1

      COPYRIGHT

      ‘Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven’

      Immanuel Kant: Parts Edition (in 19 parts)

      First published in the United Kingdom in 2017 by Delphi Classics.

      © Delphi Classics, 2017.

      All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form other than that in which it is published.

      ISBN: 978 1 78877 713 1

      Delphi Classics

      is an imprint of

      Delphi Publishing Ltd

      Hastings, East Sussex

      United Kingdom

      Contact: sales@delphiclassics.com

      www.delphiclassics.com

      Immanuel Kant: Parts Edition

      This eBook is Part 1 of the Delphi Classics edition of Immanuel Kant in 19 Parts. It features the unabridged text of Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven from the bestselling edition of the author’s Collected Works. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. Our Parts Editions feature original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of Immanuel Kant, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily.

      Visit here to buy the entire Parts Edition of Immanuel Kant or the Collected Works of Immanuel Kant in a single eBook.

      Learn more about our Parts Edition, with free downloads, via this link or browse our most popular Parts here.

      IMMANUEL KANT

      IN 19 VOLUMES

      Parts Edition Contents

      The Books

      1, Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven

      2, Dreams of a Spirit-Seer

      3, Dissertation on the Form and Principles of the Sensible and the Intelligible World: Inaugural Dissertation 1770

      4, Critique of Pure Reason

      5, Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics that Will Be Able to Present Itself as a Science

      6, An Answer to the Question: What Is Enlightenment?

      7, Idea for a Universal History with a Cosmopolitan Purpose

      8, Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals

      9, Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science

      10, Critique of Practical Reason

      11, Critique of Judgement

      12, Religion Within the Bounds of Bare Reason

      13, Perpetual Peace

      14, Metaphysics of Morals: The Philosophy of Law

      15, Of the Injustice of Counterfeiting Books

      16, On Education

      The Criticism

      17, The Criticism

      The Biographies

      18, Memoir of Kant by Thomas Kingsmill Abbott

      19, Immanuel Kant by Robert Adamson

      www.delphiclassics.com

      Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven

      Translated by Ian Johnston, Vancouver Island University

      This early treatise was written in 1755 and is based on a 1750 work by the English astronomer Thomas Wright, the first scientist to describe the shape of the Milky Way and speculate that faint nebulae were distant galaxies. Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven proposes that the Solar System is merely a smaller version of the fixed star systems, such as the Milky Way and other galaxies. The cosmogony Kant proposes in this book is closer to today’s accepted ideas than that of some of his contemporary thinkers. Kant’s ideas are strongly influenced by atomist theory, in addition to the thoughts of the Roman Lucretius.

      The book concludes with an almost mystical expression of appreciation for nature: In the universal silence of nature and in the calm of the senses the immortal spirit’s hidden faculty of knowledge speaks an ineffable language and gives undeveloped concepts, which are indeed felt, but do not let themselves be described. The first English translation of the work was by the Scottish theologian William Hastie in 1900. Ian Johnston of Vancouver Island University has kindly provided the translation appearing in this edition, written in 2008.

      The first edition’s title page

      CONTENTS

      TRANSLATOR’S NOTE

      CONTENTS OF THE ENTIRE WORK

      DEDICATION

      PREFACE

      PART ONE

      PART TWO. SECTION ONE

      PART TWO. SECTION TWO

      PART TWO. SECTION THREE

      PART TWO. SECTION FOUR

      PART TWO. SECTION FIVE

      PART TWO. SECTION SIX

      PART TWO. SECTION SEVEN

      PART TWO. SUPPLEMENT TO SECTION SEVEN

      PART TWO. SECTION EIGHT

      PART THREE

      APPENDIX

      CONCLUSION

      ENDNOTES

      Thomas Wright (1711-1786) was an English astronomer, mathematician, instrument maker, architect and garden designer.

      TRANSLATOR’S NOTE

      Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) published The Universal Natural History and Theory of Heaven in 1755. This English text is based on Georg Reimer’s edition of the complete works of Immanuel Kant (1905). The translation was first completed and posted on the web in 1998. It has been considerably revised for this September 2008 version, mainly to improve the accuracy and fluency of the translation.

      In the translated text, the Table of Contents has been altered to include the Dedication and the Preface and moved to the front before these sections. The endnotes (indicated with a numerical superscript link) come from Kant’s original text except for those which are provided by the translator. The latter are prefaced in the endnote by the comment [Translator’s note], and the former by the phrase [Kant’s note]. All endnotes without

      In the English translation I have used the original lines from the works of Alexander Pope and Joseph Addison in those places where Kant quotes the often quite loose German versions of these English poets. The translations of the von Haller quotations are my own.

      There are also occasional references to two earlier English versions of Kant’s text: those by Stanley L. Jaki (Scottish Academic Press, 1981) and by William Hastie (first published in 1900, reprinted by University of Michigan Press, 1969). The translator of the present text would like to acknowledge the great help he has received from these two earlier translations. Anyone seeking a detailed contextual examination of Kant’s scientific ideas in this essay should consult the Jaki edition, which is outstanding in this respect.

      Ian Johnston

      Liberal Studies Department

      Vancouver Island University

      September 2008

      CONTENTS OF THE ENTIRE WORK

      Dedication

      Preface

      PART ONE

      Short outline of the most essential basic principles of Newtonian philosophy required for an understanding of the following theory.

      Outline of a general systematic arrangement among the fixed stars, derived from the phenomenon of the Milky Way. Similarity of this system of fixed stars to the planetary system. Discovery of many such systems, showing up in the expanse of the heavens in the form of elliptical shapes. New idea about the systematic arrangement of the entire creation.

      Conclusion. Probable assumption about more planets beyond Saturn, deduced from the law according to which planetary eccentricity increases with distance.

      PART TWO

      Section One

      Grounds for the theory of a mechanical origin for the world. Counterarguments. The only possible idea which satisfies both. First condition of Nature. Scattering of the elements of all materials throughout the entire extent of space. First movement because of the power of attraction. Start of the development of a body at the point of the strongest attraction. General sinking down of elements towards this central body. Power of repulsion of the smallest particles in which the material stuff is diffused. Altered direction of the downward movement through the combination of this force with the first one. Uniform movement of all these motions in the same direction. Impulse of all particles to bring themselves to a common plane and to accumulate there. Slowing down of the velocity of their movement to an equilibrium with the gravity at the distance from the sun at their locations. Free movement of all particles around the central body in circular orbits. Development of the planets from these moving elements. Free movement of the planets put together from these elements in the same direction on a common plane, with almost circular orbits for planets near the central point and with increasing degrees of eccentricity for planets further away from this central point.

      PART TWO

      Section Two

      Deals with the different densities of the planets and the relationship of their masses. Reason why the closer planets are of a denser type than the distant ones. Inadequacy of Newton’s explanation. Why the central body is of a lighter sort than the closest spheres moving around it. Relationship of the planetary masses according to the ratio of their distances. Reason derived from their manner of development: why the central body has the largest mass. Calculation of the spread out solution in which all the elements of the cosmic matter were scattered. Probability and necessity of this thin distribution. Important proof for the manner of the development of the heavenly bodies derived from a remarkable analogy of M. de Buffon.

      PART TWO

      Section Three

      Concerning the eccentricity of the planetary orbits and the origin of comets. The eccentricity increases in stages with the distances from the sun. Cause of this law derived from cosmogony. Why the comets’ orbits freely deviate from the plane of the ecliptic. Proof that the comets are made out of the lightest sort of material. Parenthetic observation on the Northern Lights.

      PART TWO

      Section Four

      Concerning the origin of the moons and the movements of the planets around their axes. The material for the development of the moons was contained in the sphere out of which the planet assembled the parts for its own development. Cause of the movement of these moons with all their rules. Why only the large planets have moons. Concerning the axial rotation of the planets. Whether the moon previously had a faster rotation. Whether the velocity of the earth’s axial rotation is decreasing. Concerning the position of the planetary axes in relation to the plane of their orbits. Displacement of their axes.

      PART TWO

      Section Five

      Concerning the origin of Saturn’s ring and the calculation of the planet’s daily rotation from the relationships with this ring. First condition of Saturn compared to the composition of a comet. Development of a ring from the particles of the planet’s atmosphere by means of impressed movements from the impulse of its rotation. Computation of the time of Saturn’s axial rotation according to this hypothesis. Observation on the shape of Saturn. Concerning the flattening of the spheres of cosmic bodies in general. A closer determination of the composition of this ring. Probable assumption of new discoveries. Whether the earth had a ring before the Flood.

      PART TWO

      Section Six

      Concerning the light of the zodiac.

      PART TWO

      Section Seven

      Concerning creation in its entire infinite extent, both in space and time. Origin of a large system of the fixed stars. Central body in the mid-point of the system of stars. Infinity of creation. General systematic relationship in its entire being. The central body of all of nature. Successive continuation of creation into all infinity of times and spaces through the ceaseless development of new worlds. Observation on chaos in undeveloped nature. Gradual decay and destruction of the cosmic structure. Appropriateness of such a concept. Renewal of fallen nature.

      PART TWO

      Supplement to Section Seven

      Universal theory and history of the sun in general. Why the central body of a cosmic structure is a fiery body. Closer observation of its nature. Thoughts on the alterations in the air surrounding the sun. Extinguishing of suns. Closer glance at its shape. Mr. Wright’s opinion concerning the mid-point of all of nature. An improvement on this opinion.

      PART TWO

      Section Eight

      General proof of the correctness of a mechanical theory for the arrangement of the cosmic structure in general, and particularly for the certainty of the present theory. The fundamental capability in the nature of things to raise themselves on their own to order and perfection is the most beautiful proof of the existence of God. Defence against the charge of naturalism.

      The arrangement of the cosmic structure is simple and not set beyond the forces of nature. Analogies which confirm the mechanical origin of the world with certainty. The very same point proved from the deviations. Citing an immediate order created by God does not deal satisfactorily with these questions. Difficulty which made Newton give up the mechanical theory. Solution to this difficulty. The proposed system is the only possible way to deal satisfactorily with the basic principles of both sides. Further proof from the relationship of the density of planets, their masses, the space in between their locations from the sun, and the gradual interrelationships of their determinants. The motivating principles of God’s choice do not immediately determine these conditions. Justification with respect to religion. Difficulties which present themselves with the theory of the immediate order created by God.

      PART THREE

      Contains a comparison between the inhabitants of the stars. Whether all the planets are inhabited. Reasons to doubt this. Basis of the physical relationships between the inhabitants of the different planets. Observation on human beings. Causes of the imperfections in human nature. Natural relationship of the physical characteristics of living creatures according to their different distances from the sun. Consequences of this relationship for their spiritual capacities. Comparison of thinking beings on different celestial bodies. Confirmation from certain circumstances in their dwelling places. Further proof from the disposition of God’s providence, which is created in their best interests. Short digression.

      CONCLUSION

      The conditions of human beings in the future life.

      DEDICATION

      To the most serene, the mightiest king and master

      Frederick

      King of Prussia

      Margrave of Brandenburg

      Lord Chamberlain and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire

      Sovereign and Highest Lord of Silesia, etc. etc.

      My most all-honoured King and Master,

      Most serene and mighty king,

      Most All-honoured King and Master,

      The feeling of my own lack of worth and the radiance from the throne cannot make my foolishness so timid, when the honour which the most gracious monarch dispenses with equal magnanimity among all his subjects gives me grounds for hope that the boldness which I undertake will not be looked upon with ungracious eyes. In most submissive respect I here lay at the feet of your eternal kingly majesty one of the most trifling samples of that eager spirit with which your highness’s schools, through the encouragement and the protection of their illustrious sovereign, strive to emulate other nations in the sciences. How happy I would be if the present endeavour could succeed in making the efforts with which the humblest and most respectful subject constantly tries to make himself in some way of service to the Fatherland win the highest possible feeling of goodwill of his king. With the utmost devotion until my dying day,

      Your eternal majesty’s most humble servant

      The author

      Königsberg

      14 March, 1755

      PREFACE

      I have selected a subject which, both in view of its inherent difficulty and also with respect to religion, can right at the very start elicit an unfavourable judgment from a large section of readers. To discover the systematic arrangement linking large parts of creation in its entire infinite extent and to bring out by means of mechanical principles the development of the cosmic bodies themselves and the cause of their movements from the first state of nature, such insights seem to overstep by a long way the powers of human reason. From another perspective, religion threatens with a solemn accusation about the presumption that one is allowed to be so bold as to attribute to nature left to itself such consequences in which we rightly become aware of the immediate hand of the Highest Being and worries about encountering in the inquiry into such views a defence of the atheist. I do perceive all these difficulties, and yet I do not become fainthearted. I feel all the power of the obstacles ranged against me, and nevertheless I am not despondent. On the basis of a slight assumption I have undertaken a dangerous journey, and I already see the promontories of new lands. Those people who have the resolution to set forth on the undertaking will set foot on these lands and have the pleasure of designating them with their very own names.

      I made no commitment to this endeavour until I considered myself secure from the point of view of religious duties. My enthusiasm has doubled as I witnessed at every step the dispersal of the clouds which behind their obscurity seemed to hide monsters and which, after they scattered, revealed the majesty of the Highest Being with the most vital radiance. Since I know that these efforts are free of all reproach, I will faithfully introduce what well-meaning or even weak-minded people could find shocking in my proposal and am candidly ready to submit it to the strict inspection of a council of true believers, which is the mark of an honest disposition. The champion of the faith, therefore, may be allowed to let his reasons be heard

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