Kant's Empirical Realism

Kant's Empirical Realism is the claim that transcendental idealism yields a form of realism at the empirical level. Paul Abela challenges the negative reception which this theory provoked, offering a presentation and rehabilitation of Kant's empirical realism that places his realist credentials at the centre of the account of representation offered in The Critique of Pure Reason. Abela's interpretation ranges over the major themes contained in The Analytic of Principles and relevant portions of The Dialectic. Kant's analysis of the conditions necessary for determinate representation is shown to involve a realist understanding of the relation of mind and world. The realist character of his account of empirical truth, and his commitment to the unity of nature, are defended against competing empiricist, pragmatist, and methodological readings.

Kant claims that transcendental idealism yields a form of realism at the empirical level. Paul Abela challenges the negative reception which this theory provoked, offering a presentation and rehabilitation of Kant's empirical realism that places his realist credentials at the centre of the account of representation offered in The Critique of Pure Reason Abela's interpretation ranges over the major themes contained in The Analytic of Principles and relevant portions of The Dialectic . Kant's analysis of the conditions necessary for determinate representation is shown to involve a realist understanding of the relation of mind and world. The realist character of his account of empirical truth, and his commitment to the unity of nature, are defended against competing empiricist, pragmatist, and methodological readings. Review: This book provides plenty of food for thought for anyone concerned with placing Kant within the contemporary debates on realism and anti-realism and presents a compelling reason for placing him on the side of realism. British Journal for the History of Philosophy This book is in many respects a welcome addition to the literature on Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. British Journal for the History of Philosophy Kant's Empirical Realism challenges and enriches our understanding of Kant's philosophy ... a rewarding book; the writing is clear, the structure is helpful and he uses some vivid examples. Lucy Allais, Times Literary Supplement