Reflections on Kant's Theory of Geometrical Concepts Formation

GIOVANNINI, EDUARDO N.

Kant and Philosophy in a Cosmopolitan Sense

De Gruyter

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2013; p. 43 - 54

The paper offers a preliminary account of Kant's theory of geometrical concept formation. It will be argued that, for Kant, spatial intuition does not play a substantial role in the process of formation of a geometrical concept, buy rather it must be seen as a pure arbitrary intellectual synthesis. However, the relevance of intuition will be found in the justification of geometrical concepts, which indeed warrants that fabricated concepts are not mere hypothesis or empty concepts. In order to defend this thesis, some comments will be made on an objection posed by Kant on Wolff's view of geometrical definitions. Finally, I will compare Kant's demands for justification of geometrical concepts to J. H Lambert's view of geometrical concepts and definitions.