Kant’s Theory of Knowledge

Abstract

Somewhat oddly, just before the end of the Critique of Pure Reason, after he has finished discussing the main issues of his Theory of Knowledge at the beginning of the “Transcendental Doctrine of Method,” Kant chooses to present the premise that guided him all along. He exhibits it as the viewpoint from which he regards “the sum total of all cognition of pure and speculative reason as an edifice,” and our task is to design a plan for it “in relation to the supplies given to us that is at the same time suited to our needs” (B, 735).