Single Idea 21452

[catalogued under 16. Persons / D. Continuity of the Self / 2. Mental Continuity / c. Inadequacy of mental continuity]

Full Idea

The determination of my existence in time is possible only by means of the existence of actual things that I perceive outside of myself.

Gist of Idea

I can only determine my existence in time via external things

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B275)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.327


A Reaction

This may be the germ of Hegel's much more social view of the self. Kant is only concerned with the question of identity across time.

Related Idea

Idea 4166 A consciousness without an object is no consciousness [Schopenhauer]