I—Hegel's Critique of Kant. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Houlgate, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Supplement to the proceedings of the Aristotelian Society. Volume 89(2015)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy -- Congresses; Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8349.2015.00242.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-7013

Abstract

Abstract : In this essay I argue that Hegel criticizes Kant for failing to carry out a thorough critique of the categories of thought. In Hegel's view, Kant merely limits the validity of the categories to objects of possible experience, but he does not challenge the way in which the 'understanding' ( Verstand ) conceives of those categories and other concepts. Indeed, for Hegel, Kant's limitation of the validity of the categories itself presupposes the sharp distinctions, drawn by understanding, between concepts such as 'form' and 'matter' or 'subjective' and 'objective'. I note that Hegel does not do complete justice to Kant's concept of the 'thing in itself' or to his conception of 'critique', but I argue that his criticism of Kant is none the less correct.