The purpose of the Society is to further study of the works of Immanuel Kant from a variety of perspectives: "analytical," "continental," and otherwise. Participation by scholars and students in all relevant areas is encouraged: philosophers, political scientists, historians, literary scholars, etc.

The Society was was founded by Hoke Robinson, its first president, in 1985. Karl Ameriks, Richard Aquila, Nelson Potter, Pauline Kleingeld and Patricia Kitcher have also served as President. Past Vice Presidents include Günter Zöller and Jane Kneller. Manfred Kuehn served as Bibliographer from 1985 through 2000.