Kant Paper

Answer each of the following questions, writing a minimum of 2 full pages, maximum 3.5 pages for each:

1. In the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant distinguishes between three types of knowledge: Empirical, transcendental (conditions for the possibility of experience) and speculative (concerning metaphysical claims). Describe each of them, specifying what distinguishes them from the others. How does Kant argue that the first two types are legitimate forms of knowledge but the third is not?

2. As we have seen, Kant uses the notions of regulative ideas and the postulates of practical reason (immortality and God) to resuscitate metaphysical notions in a limited capacity without asserting that they refer to anything that exists. Of particular interest (or controversy, depending on your point of view) is his revival of the idea of purposes in nature. Summarize the role that natural purposes play in his account of human history in “Idea for a Universal History with a Cosmopolitan Intent,” and evaluate his use of this idea (i.e., natural purposes): Do you think it is necessary and legitimate? Why or why not?

No citations are necessary, though if you are quoting or paraphrasing any source besides your class notes you need to provide a full citation, using any standard method that provides all of the relevant information.

Number pages and staple; 12 point type; Double-spaced; 1-1.5 inch margins; Separate cover page; No extra spaces, extraneous titles or headers, or anything else intended to make the paper appear longer than it really is; Don’t email papers without prior permission.