Causation; Knowledge, Theory of; Philosophy, German; Reason
As regards the second statement, let us first take the opposite for
granted—that the world is finite and limited in space; it follows that
it must exist in a void space, which is not limited. We should
therefore meet not only with a relation of things in space, but also a
relation of things to space. Now, as the world is an absolute whole,
out of and beyond which no object of intuition, and consequently no
correlate to which can be discovered, this relation of the world to a
void space is merely a relation to no object. But such a relation, and
consequently the limitation of the world by void space, is nothing.
Consequently, the world, as regards space, is not limited, that is, it
is infinite in regard to extension.[52]
[52] Space is merely the form of external intuition (formal
intuition), and not a real object which can be externally perceived.
Space, prior to all things which determine it (fill or limit it), or,
rather, which present an empirical intuition conformable to it, is,
under the title of absolute space, nothing but the mere possibility of
external phenomena, in so far as they either exist in themselves, or
can annex themselves to given intuitions. Empirical intuition is
therefore not a composition of phenomena and space (of perception and
empty intuition). The one is not the correlate of the other in a
synthesis, but they are vitally connected in the same empirical
intuition, as matter and form. If we wish to set one of these two
apart from the other—space from phenomena—there arise all sorts of
empty determinations of external intuition, which are very far from
being possible perceptions. For example, motion or rest of the world
in an infinite empty space, or a determination of the mutual relation
of both, cannot possibly be perceived, and is therefore merely the
predicate of a notional entity.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE FIRST ANTINOMY. ON THE THESIS.
In bringing forward these conflicting arguments, I have not been on the
search for sophisms, for the purpose of availing myself of special
pleading, which takes advantage of the carelessness of the opposite
party, appeals to a misunderstood statute, and erects its unrighteous
claims upon an unfair interpretation. Both proofs originate fairly from
the nature of the case, and the advantage presented by the mistakes of
the dogmatists of both parties has been completely set aside.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account