Metaphysics In Kant's Critique Of Pure Reason

Kant wrote the Critique of Pure Reason but it was hugely misunderstood. The two prefaces to this book try to make things clear. The second preface is longer and elaborates on some thoughts highlighted in the first preface. These two prefaces have many differences including unity of reason and experience and how reason can progress without experience. This short essay focuses on Kant’s position on metaphysics in both prefaces, concentrating on the major differences.

Kant deals with the issue of metaphysics in his two prefaces of Critique Of Pure Reason. In the first preface, metaphysics is described as ‘the queen of all the sciences’ (Kant 1). This imagery is highly influenced by the time that Kant lived since many European countries had monarchical governments. Just like how a queen is the most influential figure in a monarchical country, metaphysics, in Kant’s time assumes this elevated role in philosophical inquiries and other fields have subordinate ones. Hence, the image of queen undoubtedly implies that metaphysics has a major role to play and other fields of study have subordinate roles. However, the empire of the ‘queen’ fell because of its firm grip on dogmatism, anarchy and scepticism which reigned from within.

Dogmatism can easily be equated to reductionism because it takes one aspect of reality and uses it to represent the whole of reality. In this case, a dogmatist is one who assumes and proceeds upon the assumption that human reason can comprehend ultimate reality. Dogmatism manifests itself through rationalism, realism and transcendence. In rationalism, it is possible to determine from pure a priori principles the ultimate nature of God, soul and the cosmos. Dogmatism claims that knowledge arises independently of ex...

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...‘which basically requires one to act only according to principles that are in themselves fit to be universal law’ (68). This brings about the will and freedom of a moral agent. Endowed with will, rational beings ‘cause things to happen in the world through their wills. A will that is free in the positive sense must determine itself, it must act in accord with a law that it adopts for itself, a law of freedom. This is exactly what it is to be autonomous, and therefore to recognise oneself as subject to the categorical imperative’ (80).

Kant develops his argument to show the importance of metaphysics and reason. Despite its limits, the practical use of reason allows a moral agent to work freely in participating in the moral world, contributing to make the world as it ought to be. Reason has a practical aspect which is articulated in the categorical imperative.