Phil315: Paper Assignment #1
Posted: March 1.
Due: in class on March 8 (at 13:50 am at latest). Late assignments will be assigned 0 points.
Task:
Kant says in the Preface of the Critique that he will seek to solve the question of “the possibility or impossibility of Metaphysics.” In the Introduction of the Critique he goes on to introduce the notion of “synthetic a priori knowledge,” and then claims that there is such knowledge in both mathematics and physics.
Your task is to write a maximum 4 page paper. The first two pages should explain what Kant means by “metaphysics,” “the possibility or impossibility of metaphysics,” and “synthetic a priori knowledge,” as well as what the question of metaphysics has to do with the notion of synthetic a priori knowledge. After that you are to provide a critical assessment of Kant’s claim that there is synthetic a priori knowledge in mathematics and physics. (Is he right? Wrong? Explain and argue your case!)
Instructions:
i) The assignment is to be maximum 4 pages of text.
ii) Don’t print double sided (the empty space on the back of each paper sheet may be used for feedback).
iii) Formatting: Times New Roman; font size 12; line space 1.5
iv) Consult and comply with the formatting outline attached to this assignment document.
v) Late assignments will count as missed assignments.
vi) Missed assignments will receive 0 points.
vii) Referencing: You may quote from Kant’s Critique but nothing else. Quote by inserting within brackets the word “Critique” followed by the page number, e.g. “(Critique p 8)”.
Formatting outline:
Phil315: Take home assignment #1: Kant on Metaphysics, Aprioricity, and Syntheticity
Student ID number: [write your student ID number here]
1. Metaphysics and synthetic a priori knowledge
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2. Assessment of alleged cases of synthetic a priori knowledge in mathematics and physics
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