Kant's Transcendental Idealism

Summary

The video script from 'Philosophy Vibe' delves into Immanuel Kant's transcendental idealism, a philosophy of perception that straddles the line between indirect realism and idealism. It posits that while our perceptions of color, taste, smell, and spatial-temporal existence are mind-dependent, an external reality exists independently of our perceptions. This 'noumenal' reality is inaccessible to us, as our minds filter all experiences through the a priori intuitions of space and time. The script also touches on the challenges faced by transcendental idealism, including the continuity problem and the veil of perception, questioning the validity of theorizing about an unknowable external world.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses three main concepts in the philosophy of perception: realism, indirect realism, and idealism.
• 🔍 Realism posits that what we perceive is an exact match to the external world, with no difference between perception and reality.
• 🌁 Indirect realism suggests that while physical objects exist externally, much of our perception is subjective and mind-dependent, such as color, taste, and smell.
• 💭 Idealism rejects the material world, asserting that everything we perceive is mind-dependent and that there is no external world beyond our minds.
• 🎓 Immanuel Kant introduced transcendental idealism, a theory that sits between indirect realism and idealism, proposing that space and time are a priori forms of human intuition.
• 🕒 According to Kant, space and time are not part of objects but are necessary for our perception of the external world through a spatial-temporal lens.
• 🥕 Kant's example of a carrot on a plate illustrates how our minds perceive the appearance of objects, including their spatial-temporal properties, which are mind-dependent.
• 🌌 Transcendental idealism holds that the external world exists independently of our perception, with objects existing as 'things in themselves' beyond our direct perception.
• 🤔 The theory faces challenges, such as explaining the continuity of the external world when no minds are present to perceive it, which is a problem for idealism and transcendental idealism.
• 🔮 Transcendental idealism also grapples with the issue of the 'veil of perception,' questioning how we can theorize about an external world that we cannot directly perceive or understand.
• 🌐 The video suggests that scientific developments, like Einstein's theory of relativity, may lend support to Kant's metaphysics by challenging traditional notions of space and time.
• 📖 The script is available for those interested in a deeper dive into the philosophy of perception, and the video encourages viewers to engage in the discussion through comments.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script on Philosophy Vibe?

The video script focuses on the philosophy of perception, specifically discussing Immanuel Kant's theory of transcendental idealism and its relation to realism, indirect realism, and idealism.

What are the three main concepts in the philosophy of perception mentioned in the script?

The three main concepts are realism, indirect realism, and idealism. Realism posits that the reality we perceive is exactly what exists externally. Indirect realism suggests that while physical objects exist externally, many perceptions are mind-dependent. Idealism rejects the material world, claiming all perceptions are mind-dependent with no external physical world.

How does Kant's transcendental idealism differ from traditional idealism?

Kant's transcendental idealism differs from traditional idealism in that it acknowledges the existence of an external world, known as 'things in themselves' or 'noumena,' which are independent of our perceptions. Traditional idealism, on the other hand, posits that all reality is mind-dependent.

What does Kant argue about the concepts of space and time in relation to human perception?

Kant argues that space and time are a priori forms of human intuition. They are not part of external objects but are inherent to our minds, shaping how we perceive and understand the external world.

What is the term 'phenomena' in the context of Kant's philosophy?

In Kant's philosophy, 'phenomena' refers to the appearances of objects as they are perceived by our minds, which are filtered and ordered through our intuitions of space and time.

What is meant by 'things in themselves' or 'noumena' in Kant's transcendental idealism?

'Things in themselves' or 'noumena' are the actual objects as they exist independently of our perceptions, without the influence of space and time, which are inaccessible to human cognition.

How does the script relate Kant's theory to modern scientific theories, such as Einstein's general theory of relativity?

The script suggests that modern scientific theories, including Einstein's general theory of relativity, provide support and credibility to Kant's metaphysics by exploring the nature of space and time, which are central to his theory of transcendental idealism.

What is the 'continuity problem' mentioned in the script in relation to idealism and transcendental idealism?

The 'continuity problem' refers to the challenge of explaining how objects can continue to exist and change over time when there is no mind to perceive them, as suggested by idealism and transcendental idealism.

What is the 'veil of perception' argument presented in the script?

The 'veil of perception' argument posits that we can only perceive the world indirectly and have no direct knowledge of the external world beyond our perceptions, which is a critique of theories like indirect realism and transcendental idealism.

How does the script address the critique that transcendental idealism cannot explain the external world beyond our perceptions?

The script acknowledges the critique but suggests that the existence of an external world, even if unknowable in its true form, makes more sense in explaining the continuity and causation observed in the phenomena we perceive.

What is the conclusion of the script regarding Kant's transcendental idealism?

The script concludes that while Kant's transcendental idealism is a compelling and strong approach to the philosophy of perception, it also faces significant problems and challenges, particularly regarding the continuity of the external world and the nature of our access to it.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Kant's Transcendental Idealism

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on the philosophy of perception, particularly Immanuel Kant's transcendental idealism. It outlines three key concepts: realism, indirect realism, and idealism, explaining their differences and how they relate to the perception of reality. The paragraph sets the stage for an exploration of Kant's theory, which positions itself between indirect realism and idealism, suggesting that while there is a physical reality, our perception of it is largely mind-dependent, including not only sensory experiences like color and taste but also the concepts of space and time.

05:02

🕒 The Mind-Dependence of Space and Time

This paragraph delves into Kant's argument that space and time are not objective realities but rather subjective intuitions of the human mind. It explains that while we perceive objects as existing within a spatial and temporal framework, these perceptions are filtered through our mind's innate understanding of space and time. The paragraph discusses the idea that objects in the external world, known as 'things in themselves' or 'noumena,' exist independently of our perceptions, which Kant calls 'phenomena.' It also touches on the implications of this theory for scientific understanding, suggesting that developments in physics, such as Einstein's theory of relativity, lend support to Kant's metaphysics.

10:04

🤔 Challenges to Transcendental Idealism

The final paragraph addresses the criticisms and challenges faced by Kant's transcendental idealism. It discusses the 'continuity problem,' which questions how physical changes can occur in the absence of a perceiving mind, using the example of a burning candle. The paragraph also explores the issue of the 'veil of perception,' which suggests that our inability to perceive the world directly limits our understanding of the external world. Critics argue that if all we have access to are appearances, it is speculative to claim the existence of an unknowable external world. The paragraph concludes by inviting viewers to consider their stance on transcendental idealism and engage in the ongoing philosophical debate.

Keywords

💡Philosophy of Perception

The philosophy of perception explores the nature and processes of human perception, questioning how we interpret and understand the world around us. In the video, this concept is central to the discussion of different theories on how we perceive reality, including realism, indirect realism, and idealism.

💡Realism

Realism in the context of perception is the belief that the reality we perceive is an accurate reflection of the external world. The video script mentions that, according to realism, there is no difference between our perceptions and the actual state of the external world.

💡Indirect Realism

Indirect realism posits that while physical objects exist externally to our minds, our perceptions of them are subjective and mind-dependent. The script uses the example of an object's color, taste, or smell being mind-dependent to illustrate this concept, suggesting that we only indirectly perceive the true nature of reality.

💡Idealism

Idealism is the philosophical stance that rejects the existence of a material world, asserting that everything we perceive is a construct of the mind. The video contrasts this with other theories, noting that idealism claims there is no external world beyond our perceptions.

💡Transcendental Idealism

Transcendental idealism, a theory developed by Immanuel Kant, is a nuanced approach that sits between indirect realism and idealism. The script explains that this theory acknowledges the existence of an external world but maintains that our perceptions are shaped by a priori intuitions of space and time, which are mind-dependent.

💡A Priori

A priori refers to knowledge that is independent of experience, meaning it is innate or inherent to the mind. In the script, Kant's theory of transcendental idealism posits that our understanding of space and time is a priori, suggesting that these concepts are fundamental to how we perceive the world.

💡Space and Time

The concepts of space and time are central to Kant's transcendental idealism. The script explains that Kant viewed space and time not as physical entities but as forms of human intuition that structure our perceptions of the external world.

💡Appearances

In the context of transcendental idealism, 'appearances' refer to the perceptions of objects as they are filtered through our mind's intuitions of space and time. The script uses the example of looking at a carrot, where the mind creates the perception of color, taste, and smell, which are the appearances of the object.

💡Things in Themselves

Things in themselves, or 'noumena' in Kant's terminology, are the actual objects as they exist independently of our perceptions. The script clarifies that while we can never directly perceive these things in themselves, we understand that they exist and influence the appearances we do perceive.

💡Continuity

Continuity, as discussed in the script, refers to the ongoing existence or persistence of objects or events over time, even in the absence of perception. The script raises a philosophical question about how objects can continue to exist and change if time and space are mind-dependent, as transcendental idealism suggests.

💡Causation

Causation is the relationship between cause and effect, which is inherently tied to the concept of time. The script challenges the notion of causation in the context of transcendental idealism, questioning how cause and effect can operate if the underlying temporal framework is subjective.

💡Veil of Perception

The 'veil of perception' is a metaphor used to describe the barrier between our direct experience and the external world. The script uses this term to illustrate the indirect nature of our perception, suggesting that we can only theorize about the world beyond our perceptions, which is a central issue in Kant's transcendental idealism.

Highlights

Introduction to the philosophy of perception and metaphysics with a focus on Immanuel Kant's transcendental idealism.

Realism defined as the belief that perceived reality corresponds exactly to the external world.

Indirect realism posits that while physical objects exist, perceptions like color and taste are mind-dependent and subjective.

Idealism rejects the material world, asserting that all perceptions are mind-dependent with no external physical reality.

Kant's transcendental idealism as a middle ground between indirect realism and idealism, proposing that space and time are a priori forms of human intuition.

Explanation of space and time as not existing independently but as mental constructs for perceiving the external world.

The concept that we perceive the appearance of objects, not their true existence outside our minds, termed 'phenomena'.

The 'things in themselves' or 'noumena' as the actual objects existing independently of human perception.

Human inability to perceive 'noumena' directly due to our innate spatial and temporal intuitions.

The philosophical debate on the continuity of existence without perception, such as a burning candle when unobserved.

The challenge of applying causation and continuity to a world devoid of space and time in transcendental idealism.

Critique of transcendental idealism's claim of an unknowable external world beyond human perception.

The 'veil of perception' problem in indirect realism and its relation to Kant's theory, questioning the validity of theorizing about an inaccessible world.

The scientific developments around space and time, such as Einstein's general theory of relativity, and their relation to Kant's metaphysics.

Invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on transcendental idealism as the best approach to the philosophy of perception.

Promotion of the philosophy of perception eBook available on Amazon for further reading and support of the channel.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello and welcome to philosophy vibe the

channel where we discuss and debate

different philosophical ideas today

we're going to be focusing on some

metaphysics around the philosophy of

perception and looking into the works of

immanuel kant and the fascinating theory

of transcendental idealism amazing

before we get started there are three

main concepts we need to briefly go over

within the philosophy of perception the

first one is realism now realism is the

idea that the reality that you perceive

is exactly what exists in the external

world what your mind perceives the

objects the colors etc is exactly what

corresponds to the external world there

is no difference between what you

perceive and what exists outside your

mind and outside your own perception

from there we have indirect realism this

is the idea that there does exist

physical objects outside of your mind

however a lot of what you perceive is

mind-dependent it is subjective it does

not exist outside your mind so when we

perceive an object the things like the

extension and the figure these exist in

the external world whereas the things

like the object's color or taste or

smell these are mind dependent they

exist solely in your mind not in the

external world we therefore have an

indirect view of reality half of it is

external half of it is mind-dependent

ideas

and finally we have idealism

this is the rejection of the material

world altogether it claims that

everything we perceive is solely

mind-dependent all that exists is minds

and ideas there is no physical external

world beyond our minds great summary

thank you ok so back to the topic at

hand now

rather than picking one of these three

lanes in the 18th century emmanuel kant

in fact developed a new approach to the

philosophy of perception

known as transcendental idealism broadly

speaking you can say that transcendental

idealism sits in between indirect

realism and idealism as a theory really

how starting from an indirect realist

perspective we understand a large part

of the reality we perceive exists solely

in the mind but still there does exist a

physical reality yes kant takes this a

little further but does not jump

straight into a full idealist

perspective so we typically agree the

five senses to be mind dependent the

perception of color taste smell sound

and physical sensations kant however

argued in addition to this the concepts

of space and time were also functions of

the human mind what do you mean kant saw

the concepts of space and time as a

priori forms of the human intuition our

minds come stopped with the ability to

perceive the external world through a

spatial temporal lens think of it like

this space and time are not things in

and of themselves at the same time they

are not part of other objects yet they

do exist we all understand what space

and time is and we understand their

existence so how is this the case how

can something not exist in itself not be

part of something else yet have full

existence that we all understand the

reason is because space and time are

intuitions of the human mind they do not

exist outside the human mind and outside

the human experience okay so the

external world does not have space or

time

correct when we perceive an object kant

explains we are just experiencing the

appearance of an object what we cognize

is not what actually exists outside of

our minds let's use this example

i am looking at a carrot on a plate on a

table now as i look at these objects my

mind is creating their color the taste

the smells etc etc but what i'm also

perceiving is that these objects are

occupying a portion of space and are

existing throughout time

these objects are spatial temporal or at

least that is how i am cognizing them so

what is actually happening

my mind is getting the raw data of these

objects as kant would say from the

things in themselves as they exist in

the external world that has no space all

the time as the data goes through the

lens of my mind my intuitions organizes

this data so i can as kant describes

intuits them

basically my mind orders this data for

me into a spatial temporal format so i

can understand it as the data from the

external world passes into my mind my

time space intuitions filter order and

arrange these objects into what i am

currently perceiving interesting so

time and space are solely products of

the mind outside our minds time and

space do not exist in the external world

and so if there were no human minds to

perceive the world if every human died

so too would time and space as they

solely exist in the human mind they are

completely mind-dependent okay but the

objects we perceive and experience they

do exist in the external world yes in

some sense but not as i am perceiving

them this is not full idealism like that

of george barkley there does exist an

external world and the objects we are

perceiving are coming from this external

world our minds are not creating the

objects the reason i am seeing the

carrot and plate and table is because

there really is a carrot plate and table

in the external world feeding me that

perception it is not that these objects

are mental ideas they physically exist

but our intuitions are just ordering and

filtering them so we can process and

intuit them this is the metaphysics of

the theory all objects exist outside of

our minds but what we perceive are just

the appearances of the objects cans

calls this the phenomena outside of our

minds these objects exist independently

the things in themselves which cant

refers to as the numenor the true raw

objects as they naturally exist outside

the filters of our intuitions they exist

in an external world without space and

time i see

now we can never have direct access to

the pneumonia our human minds are

programmed to perceive the world in a

spatial temporal way all we can perceive

and experience is the phenomena this is

where the term transcendental comes from

transcendental meaning transcendent

beyond the human experience going beyond

what is directly in front of us yes this

makes sense

so there we have kant's transcendental

idealism our minds possess a priori

intuitions of space and time space and

time are solely forms of the human

intuition everything we perceive is

filtered through our subjective time and

space intuition the objects we intuit

are just appearances of the actual

objects existing independently from our

minds in an external world these

independent objects are the things in

themselves that we can never directly

perceive since emmanuel kant's theory in

the 18th century scientific works around

space and time developed a lot the early

20th century we saw einstein's general

theory of relativity reached the

forefront of scientific inquiry and one

can argue this scientific investigation

and discovery gives huge support and

credibility to cancer metaphysics very

fascinating theory a compelling and

strong approach to the philosophy of

perception indeed however as with all

metaphysical theories kant's

transcendental idealism comes with a lot

of problems like what well

transcendental idealism tries to blend

indirect realism with idealism in effect

i think it meets all the objections that

both sides are faced with how okay let's

start with the idealism side one of the

main arguments against idealism was

explaining the continuity that exists

without minds present to perceive a

typical example would be if i lit a

candle and left the room hours later

when i returned the candle has burnt to

the bottom and the wax has melted how if

physical objects only exist in the

mind's perception did this happen if

there was no mind to perceive the candle

i believe this same objection can be

applied to transcendental idealism i

disagree you need to remember that

transcendental idealism still believes

in the existence of the external world

unlike traditional idealism there still

exists a physical world with physical

objects in themselves it is not the

objects that need a mind's perception to

exist rather the appearance of the

objects the objects in themselves still

exist external to the human mind yes i

understand but transcendental idealism

still holds that time and space of

subjective ideas and this is why the

continuity problem still applies how can

a candle continue to burn if there is no

time how can wax continue to melt if

there is no time the word itself

continuity is a temporal word it implies

that something is persisting throughout

time how can the candle stay alight if

it does not take up a portion of space

so if i light a candle and leave the

room i am no longer perceiving the

candle which would mean it is no longer

a spatial temporal object yet somehow

even without my perception the candle

continues to burn it continues to exist

playing by temporal and spatial rules

how if space and time is completely

subjective and mind-dependent can this

happen i see what you're saying but

still behind the mental appearance of

the candle and the flame that we

perceive is a physical candle and flame

in itself whilst we can't definitively

say how the continuity persists i think

it's fair to say that continuity makes

more sense as there is a mind

independent world we are getting our

perception from

no i disagree sure we have the external

world in place but an external world

devoid of space and time doesn't allow

for continuity it doesn't really allow

for any causation as causation is purely

a temporal thing time is needed for

cause and effect to happen so how can

appearances follow the logical rules of

time if the things in themselves where

the appearances come from do not follow

these same temporal laws this is what

i'm struggling to get my head around

cause and effect cannot be applied to

things in themselves so how can they be

applied to the appearances yes i see the

problem outside of this kant's

transcendental idealism is met with

problems from the indirect realist side

as well go on as with all indirect

realism theories we have a veil of

perception thrown over our eyes we can

only perceive the world indirectly we

have no idea what the external world is

beyond this veil we are in no position

to guess or infer anything the same

applies here according to kant all we

have access to is appearances this is

the only world we know the phenomena how

then can we start theorizing about the

world that is beyond our perception

beyond our understanding how can we

start theorizing about the pneumonia

kant basically claims things in

themselves exist but we do not know and

we cannot know anything about these

things in themselves this is a huge

problem if all we have access to is

appearances then why should we reach

further and claim there exists this

external world that we cannot know or

that we cannot understand or cognize or

intuit this external world starts to

feel like a far-reaching fantasy

hmm good point

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