ABSTRACT

Mathematics in Kant's Critical Philosophy provides a much needed reading (and re-reading) of Kant's theory of the construction of mathematical concepts through a fully contextualized analysis. In this work Lisa Shabel convincingly argues that it is only through an understanding of the relevant eighteenth century mathematics textbooks, and the related mathematical practice, can the material and context necessary for a successful interpretation of Kant's philosophy be provided. This is borne out through sustained readings of Euclid and Woolf in particular, which, when brought together with Kant's work, allows for the elucidation of several key issues and the reinterpretation of many hitherto opaque and long debated passages.

chapter |5 pages

Introduction

part 1|31 pages

Euclid: The Role of the Euclidean Diagram in the Elements

part 2|50 pages

Wolff: The Elementa and Early Modern Mathematical Practice

part 3|43 pages

Kant: Mathematics in the Critique of Pure Reason