Kant's Analysis of the Paralogism of Rational Psychology inCritique of Pure ReasonEdition B

Abstract

One third of the transcendental dialectic in Kant'sCritique of Pure Reasonis devoted to demolishing the pseudo-science of rational psychology. In this part of his work Kant attacks the idea that there is an ultimate subject of experience — the ‘I’ or Self — which can only be investigated and understood intellectually. The belief that such a study is possible is natural to human reason; but it is based on demonstrable error. Kant tries to exorcize our minds from falling prey to this mistake.