Reference no: EM133400662
Background: Kant defends the category of causality against Hume. Hume had shown that it is impossible for reason to know a priori the necessary relation of cause and effect, since the origin of this knowledge is experience which rests on custom. Yet Kant rescues the principle of causality for the use of "any future metaphysics." Kant grounds cause and effect in the a priori cognition of understanding. According to this: (a) causality is necessary as a concept of "connection and unity"; (b) this concept is given through appearances, it determines the object through a priori synthetic cognition. In other words, Kant argues that we cognize the "law" of causation since all appearances that can be given to understanding must in turn conform to it; this law is what understanding "prescribes" to them. Appearances subsumed by concepts of causality are not things in themselves.
Your topic: How does Kant refute Hume's argument that reason has no a priori knowledge of cause and effect? Explain Kant's transcendental justification for causality. Use the text of Prolegomena (§§ 18, 23, 25) to explain and present a defence, in your own words, of Kant's solution.
TIPS:
Find a suitable example for your explanation, when you discuss Hume, and then, Kant.
Discuss Kant's use of the fact that modern natural science exists. Kant argues for true cognition as rooted in the synthesis of experience through the pure form of sensible intuition a priori (the judgment of the understanding is subjective but it is necessary and has objective validity, since it cognizes a relation in objective reference to appearances given in space and time).
Briefly assess Kant's position.
Writing advice: Please note that a major part of your essay relates to a carefully selected portion of the text that you are asked to analyze. It formulates clearly and precisely the author's view. Your critical relation to the topic is shown throughout the essay. Use short sentences and clear writing, avoid erudite phrasing, clichés, etc. Proof-read your essay when you finish writing. Make sure that you have answered the essay question.
Except for Howard Caygill, optional text, and Gary Hatfield's editor's introduction, for the purposes of this essay, use of secondary literature is strongly discouraged.