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Single Idea 11833

[from 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic' by Immanuel Kant, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / e. Substance critique ]

Full Idea

It has long since been noticed that in all substances the subject proper, namely what is left over after all the accidents (as predicates) have been taken away and hence the 'substantial' itself, is unknown to us.

Gist of Idea

The substance, once the predicates are removed, remains unknown to us

Source

Immanuel Kant (Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic [1781], 333)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic', ed/tr. Lucas,Peter G. [Manchester UP 1971], p.97


A Reaction

This is the terminus of the process of abstraction (though Wiggins says such removal of predicates is a myth). Kant is facing the problem of the bare substratum, or haecceity.