Transcendental Unity of Apperception In Kant’s Theory of Knowledge
Abstract: This article aims at
delineating Kant’s theory of
understanding that integrate subject and object at the transcendent
level. Transcendental here refers to the process of thinking in such a way that ‘transcends’
natural thinking. It is called transcendent for it occupied not so much with
objects, but much about a metaphysical solution on how the object related to
the subject. It starts with transcendental deduction by relating the objective
with the subjective knowledge. Here he excludes transcendental deduction from
the discussion of the empirical deduction. Afterward he differentiates the
metaphysical deduction from transcendental deduction, in which he identifies
transcendental deduction as the explanation of the way in which a priori
concept can relate to object. The most important concept in Transcendental deduction
is that of apperception. The analysis of
this concept involve two abilities that later become two important steps: First
ability of apprehending (reproducing and recognizing) knowledge of empirical truths. Second, ability of apprehending (reproducing and recognizing)
knowledge of a non-empirical kind. Thus the general feature is the view that
knowledge involve essentially the ability to judge (synthesize orcombine) and
the move from what is true empirically of our knowledge to what is true transcendentally.
This is spontaneous act of mind and is
called pure apperception or original apperception, while the principle that
governs the unity of consciousness is
entitled the Transcendental Unity of
Apperception.
Author: Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi
Journal Code: jpperadabanislamgg140005
