Effect Precedes Cause: Kant and the Self-in-Itself
6 Washington University Jurisprudence Review 161-173 (2013)
14 Pages Posted: 24 Oct 2015
Date Written: October 24, 2015
Abstract
This article describes the metaphysics of Kant, according to which we never know the Thing In Itself but only the appearance of it. When applied to selfhood (which is a “thing”), Kant implies that we never know what motivates us to do what we do. Our reasons are after-the-fact apologies to justify our acts. For that reason the “cause” of our deed always (that is to say, our reasons) follows the deed itself. Effect precedes cause, on Kantian metaphysics.
Keywords: jurisprudence, legal philosophy, Kant, metaphysics, cause, effects
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Carlson, David Gray, Effect Precedes Cause: Kant and the Self-in-Itself (October 24, 2015). 6 Washington University Jurisprudence Review 161-173 (2013), Cardozo Legal Studies Research Paper No. 467, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2679308
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