3. The transcendental deduction

Abstract

Kant asks: how is synthetic a priori knowledge possible? His answer to this question contains two parts, one of which is subjective and the other objective. ‘The transcendental deduction’ looks at these deductions, explains what they each mean, and relates them to the concept of ‘transcendental deduction’. The subjective deduction tries to show what is involved in making a judgement on whether something is true or false. Its conclusions are presented as part of a general theory of the ‘understanding’. Kant wishes to draw limits of understanding. The objective deduction consists of a positive attempt to establish the content of a priori knowledge. It is an exploration of its grounds, for truth follows from the fact that we have experience. This is the ‘transcendental deduction’.