Effect Precedes Cause: Kant and the Self-In-Itself

Authors

David G. Carlson, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of LawFollow

Publication Date

2013

Journal

Washington University Jurisprudence Review

Abstract

This article describes the metaphysics of Kant, according to which we never know the Thing In Itself but only the appearance of it. When applied to selfhood (which is a “thing”), Kant implies that we never know what motivates us to do what we do. Our reasons are after-the-fact apologies to justify our acts. For that reason the “cause” of our deed always (that is to say, our reasons) follows the deed itself. Effect precedes cause, on Kantian metaphysics.

Volume

6

Issue

1

First Page

161

Last Page

173

Publisher

Washington University School of Law

Keywords

jurisprudence, legal philosophy, Kant, metaphysics, cause, effects

Disciplines

Human Rights Law | International Law | Jurisprudence | Law

Recommended Citation

David G. Carlson, Effect Precedes Cause: Kant and the Self-In-Itself, 6 Wash. U. Jurisprudence Rev. 161 (2013).
https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/faculty-articles/803