The Theoretical Character of Husserl’s Account of Time Consciousness (Comments on Professor Rubenstein’s Paper)

Abstract

Professor Rubenstein is wrestling with an important and fertile problem: how can the temporality of consciousness be understood in terms of strictly present states of consciousness. He is right to turn to Husserl, to wonder whether Husserl’s account is a good one, and to see some connection with Kant’s view of time. I will suggest, however, that Husserl would say that he solved the problem Rubenstein points to, and, rather than needing Kant’s help, Husserl would say that he has gone beyond Kant. My interpretation of Husserl’s theory varies somewhat from Rubenstein’s, but my intention is complimentary. We have more to learn from this problem and Husserl’s theory.