Kant and Inductive Methods in 18th Century Metaphysics
PI: Prof. Dr. Dr. Brigitte Falkenburg (Dortmund)
Dr. Kristina Engelhard (Dortmund)
Project A4 “Kant and Inductive Methods in 18th Century Metaphysics” investigates the historical background of the 19th and early 20th century programmes of Inductive Metaphysics from a systematic point of view, focusing on Kant. Contrary to most influential 19th and 20th century views, the project claims that neither traditional metaphysics nor Kant’s critical philosophy of nature were exclusively based on a priori methods. Part I of the project investigates paradigm cases of 18th century metaphysics from Wolff to Kant, the little-known inductive methods they used, and their origin in early modern science. Thereupon, it investigates Kant’s critique of traditional metaphysics and the little-known inductive elements that remained in his critical philosophy of nature, which fall off the common picture of his critical views about metaphysics. Part II and III of the project deal with the critical correlates of the traditional disciplines of metaphysica generalis and metaphysica specialis, i.e., with Kant’s transcendental philosophy in general (part II) and his account of the system of laws of nature (part III). Within the research unit, the project has the objective of clarifying the following questions: Which elements of the methodology of 18th century metaphysics and their roots in early modern science are comparable to 19th/20th century Inductive Metaphysics? In what way do they contribute to an adequate present-day understanding of Inductive Metaphysics? Does Kant’s critique of traditional metaphysics reject Inductive Metaphysics as well? What are the requirements for Inductive Metaphysics from a Kantian perspective?
Dr. Kristina Engelhard (Dortmund)
Project A4 “Kant and Inductive Methods in 18th Century Metaphysics” investigates the historical background of the 19th and early 20th century programmes of Inductive Metaphysics from a systematic point of view, focusing on Kant. Contrary to most influential 19th and 20th century views, the project claims that neither traditional metaphysics nor Kant’s critical philosophy of nature were exclusively based on a priori methods. Part I of the project investigates paradigm cases of 18th century metaphysics from Wolff to Kant, the little-known inductive methods they used, and their origin in early modern science. Thereupon, it investigates Kant’s critique of traditional metaphysics and the little-known inductive elements that remained in his critical philosophy of nature, which fall off the common picture of his critical views about metaphysics. Part II and III of the project deal with the critical correlates of the traditional disciplines of metaphysica generalis and metaphysica specialis, i.e., with Kant’s transcendental philosophy in general (part II) and his account of the system of laws of nature (part III). Within the research unit, the project has the objective of clarifying the following questions: Which elements of the methodology of 18th century metaphysics and their roots in early modern science are comparable to 19th/20th century Inductive Metaphysics? In what way do they contribute to an adequate present-day understanding of Inductive Metaphysics? Does Kant’s critique of traditional metaphysics reject Inductive Metaphysics as well? What are the requirements for Inductive Metaphysics from a Kantian perspective?
