Kant and the "I": A Reappraisal Open Access

Abstract

Abstract Kant and the "I": A Reappraisal By: Apaar Kumar Kant never developed a coherent theory of the "I" (or apperception). Interpreters have hitherto stressed either the feeling or act character of apperception. Although Kant repeatedly claims (or implicitly presumes) that the "I" is twofold in form and singular in content from the late 1770s onwards, this claim has not been seriously investigated. I argue that the characterization of the "I" as twofold in form ("I as subject" and "I as object") and singular in content offers not merely textual illumination vis-à-vis conflicting descriptions of the "I" but also the basis for a coherent theory of the same. The relative incomprehensibility of the singular phenomenon of the "I" lies in the fact that the same word ("I") describes different aspects -- the active "I" as directedness of attention and the perceiving "I" that is not so directed. I show that Kant implicitly distinguishes between these aspects in characterizing the "I" as twofold in form. The "I" as sensed awareness of the unity of mind is always "obscurely" built into all perceptions while self-reference in thinking requires the "I" as directedness of attention to "clarify" the obscurely sensed "I" built into all perceptions by actively directing attention towards it as an object ("I as object"). Beyond explicating Kantian apperception, such a theory can resolve the problems of circularity and regress that have plagued theories of self- consciousness since perception does not involve reflection and self-reference in diachronic thinking involves the relation between distinguishable aspects of the "I."

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Introduction Part I Spontaneity and Apperception Chapter 1

Spontaneity and Apperception Part II "I" Prefatory Remarks Chapter 2 The Puzzle of the "I" Chapter 3 The Twofold Form of the "I" Chapter 4 "I" as Content Conclusion

About this Dissertation

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Philosophy
Degree	PhD
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Philosophy
Keyword	Spontaneity Perception Reflection Thinking Kant I (or Apperception) Self Consciousness, Theories of
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Makkreel, Rudolf A, Emory University
Committee Members	Flynn, Thomas R, Emory University Carr, David, Emory University

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