Kant, Incongruous Counterparts, and the Nature of Space and Space-Time

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, I want to examine some rather curious arguments of Kant’s which purport to show that some alleged properties of space can be derived from some alleged facts about incongruous counterparts. Secondly, I want to give some preliminary answers to some important questions about the distinction between right and left and the nature of space and space-time which are raised by Kant’s argument. As a byproduct, I hope that the discussion will provide an example of how science can illuminate philosophical issues and of how philosophy can at least lead one into interesting scientific issues.

I was somewhat bemused upon rereading these youthful reflections. I agreed to have the paper reprinted because it may help the reader to understand the development of the recent philosophical discussion of these issues.