Auto-affection and Synthesis of Reproduction

CLAUDIA JÁUREGUI

KANT-STUDIEN

Walter de Gruyter

Lugar: Berlin/New York; Año: 2006 vol. 97 p. 369 - 381

0022-8877

Abstract: In this paper we analyze James Mensch’s interpretation of the Kantian doctrine of auto-affection. Our intention is to underline that his point of view, focused on the relationship between the auto-affection and the synthesis of reproduction, gives rise to some problems concerning the way in which Kant accounts for the empirical consciousness of ourselves. Against Mensch interpretation, we propose an alternative one, according to which auto-affection cannot be a result of the synthesis of reproduction, since this latter appears as an activity extended in time, and auto-affection is precisely responsible of this appearing.