We’ll finish up our discussion of control and time this week. We then move on to look at how Kant conceives of the freedom of the rational subject (in all its metaphysical demandingness) includes even the activity of making inferences. We’ll discuss various issues surrounding Kant’s conception of inference, and why he thinks it is so metaphysically demanding. I’ve also linked two recent articles. The first, by Ram Neta, on the “basing relation”, has a variety of points of connection with Kant’s own view. The second, by Paul Boghossian, is on the “taking condition” more generally as an account of inference.
- Handout for week 4
Readings
- Kant (these are the same as last week)
- Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals: part II, 4:412-4:414; part III, 4:446-9
- Review of Schultz
- Read the whole thing, but focus on the argument starting from the first full paragraph on 8:13 to the end.
- Critique of Practical Reason: 5:94-101
- Secondary readings:
- McLear, Inference
- McLear (Optional), “On the Transcendental Freedom of the Intellect” (just §§4.2-4.3)
- Neta, “The Basing Relation”
- Boghossian (Optional), “What is Inference?”