Reflections on Kant's theory of geometrical concepts formation

GIOVANNINI, EDUARDO N.

Pisa

Congreso; 11th International Kant Congress; 2010

Kant Gesellschaft. Societa Italiana di Studi Kantiani

The presentation aims to offer 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, but 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.