Epistemological Boundaries of the Kantian Infinite

Abstract

This thesis examines Kant’s theory of infinity in the context of his epistemological doctrines in the Critique of Pure Reason. Drawing from both his early and mature work, it demonstrates how his concern for infinity is a motivating force behind the highly intricate transcendental deduction of the mind. In so doing, it reveals some of the theological and cosmological implications of the Deduction, of which Kant was highly cognizant. This thesis also challenges major readings of Kant’s epistemology that seek in some way to combine the understanding and sensibility, Kant’s two faculties of the mind. Kant elucidates certain qualities of sensibility in order for it to contain progressively infinite intuitions. Using Kant’s discussion of the intuition of inner sense, this thesis argues that these qualities of sensibility necessitate a complete separation from the understanding. The examination of Kant’s theory of infinity will therefore attempt to resituate his critical epistemology in his theological and cosmological concerns, with important consequences for how various sections of the Critique should be read.