Kant and Skepticism (Princeton Monographs in Philosophy) [Hardcover]

Michael N. Forster (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0691129878 | ISBN-13: 978-0691129877 | Publication Date: January 3, 2008

This book puts forward a much-needed reappraisal of Immanuel Kant's conception of and response to skepticism, as set forth principally in the Critique of Pure Reason. It is widely recognized that Kant's theoretical philosophy aims to answer skepticism and reform metaphysics--Michael Forster makes the controversial argument that those aims are closely linked. He distinguishes among three types of skepticism: "veil of perception" skepticism, which concerns the external world; Humean skepticism, which concerns the existence of a priori concepts and synthetic a priori knowledge; and Pyrrhonian skepticism, which concerns the equal balance of opposing arguments. Forster overturns conventional views by showing how the first of these types was of little importance for Kant, but how the second and third held very special importance for him, namely because of their bearing on the fate of metaphysics. He argues that Kant undertook his reform of metaphysics primarily in order to render it defensible against these types of skepticism. Finally, in a critical appraisal of Kant's project, Forster argues that, despite its strengths, it ultimately fails, for reasons that carry interesting broader philosophical lessons. These reasons include inadequate self-reflection and an underestimation of the resources of Pyrrhonian skepticism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In this precise, lively work, Forster establishes the significance of skepticism in the motivation, development, and formulation of Kant's thought. He examines three varieties of skepticism: 'veil of perception skepticism' concerning the external world, which he interprets as secondary for Kant despite its priority in previous literature; 'Humean skepticism' concerning the possibility of a priori knowledge; and 'Pyrrhonian skepticism,' employing a 'zetetic method' of equipollence and antinomies in order to suspend judgment. . . . Forster concludes, however, that Kant's reliance on transcendental arguments and transcendental idealism reintroduces the skeptical problems they were meant to resolve through inadequate self-reflection and radical skepticism's revenge on Kant's incorporation of its moderate variant. -- Eric S. Nelson, University of Massachusetts Lowell, for CHOICE

[N]o one interested in the basic issues of Kant's theoretical philosophy can afford to neglect Forster's elegantly written (and produced) book, and it should prove particularly valuable for stimulating discussion in courses on Kant's first Critique. -- Paul Guyer, Philosophical Review

The message is persuasive and ingeniously conveyed in an enjoyable and refreshing book. I recommend Kant and Skepticism to Kant scholars, those interested in skepticism, and those interested in Hegel's criticisms of Kant. -- Craig French, Heythrop Journal

I highly recommend this book to those working on Kant's philosophy, the general history of modern skepticism, or the influence of Pyrrhonism on modern thought. -- Diego E. Machuca, Philosophy in Review

From the Inside Flap

"This book gives a clear and lucid account of Kant's relation to skepticism, both in its historical development and in its systematic import. Forster connects Kant's views to contemporary discussions even while avoiding the pitfalls of anachronism. The confidence with which he traces the various strands of skepticism in the history of philosophy as well as Kant's responses to them is remarkable."--Béatrice Longuenesse, New York University

"I found this book rather gripping. It outlines several varieties of skepticism, considers the role that each plays in Kant's thought, and analyzes his responses to them. The scholarship is impeccable. I know of no other book on this theme."--Michael Inwood, University of Oxford

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (January 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691129878
• ISBN-13: 978-0691129877
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,425,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful study, but not the most insightful, February 27, 2010

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Kornilov (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Kant and Skepticism (Princeton Monographs in Philosophy) (Kindle Edition)

A very clearly written presentation, nicely divided into short chapters.

Especially good at exposing the logical problems with Kant's famous argumentation for the "conditions of the possibility" of appearances, experience, etc.

Where Forster goes too far with his critique of Kant's Critique is in his own implicit endorsement of skepticism. He takes seriously the academic skepticism that undermines both classical logic and subjective experience, and faults Kant for not doing so too. Such objections are, in a sense, too strong. They are not just objections to Kant but to any noble conception of philosophy, period. A skepticism that does such violence to common sense risks consigning philosophy to irrelevance, to intellectual "moves" that take human thought nowhere. On that model, "philosophy" only clears the path for the reductionist ideologies of the modern sciences.

There are deep problems with Kant's system; but Forster doesn't see so well what Kant saw with incomparable force.