University of Isfahan Metaphysics 2476-3276 Articles in Press 2025 11 23 The Fundamental Differences Between Mathematics and Philosophy from Kant&#039;s Perspective The Fundamental Differences Between Mathematics and Philosophy from Kant&#039;s Perspective 30076 10.22108/mph.2025.145827.1654 FA Asghar Vaezi Faculty Member of the Department of Philosophy at Shahid Beheshti University Journal Article 2025 07 12 The Fundamental Differences Between Mathematics and Philosophy <br /> from Kant&#039;s Perspective<br /> <br /> Abstract<br /> This article examines Kant’s views on the fundamental distinctions between mathematics and philosophy, particularly the ineffectiveness of mathematical methods in philosophical inquiry. Kant contrasts his perspective with Mendelssohn’s, who, within the Wolff-Leibnizian tradition, believed metaphysics could achieve certainty through reason and logical deduction, akin to mathematics. Kant argues that mathematics employs a synthetic method, constructing concepts through pure intuition, whereas philosophy uses an analytical method to examine pre-given concepts. Mathematics achieves certainty by constructing concepts in intuition, but philosophy cannot adopt this approach, as its concepts are derived analytically from existing data. This methodological difference indicates that mathematical certainty cannot be transferred to philosophy. Thus, while mathematics offers a model for certainty in knowledge, its methods are not suitable for philosophy. Philosophy must find its own way to certainty through critical reflection on the conditions of possible experience, as outlined in transcendental philosophy. <br /> <br /> Keywords: Kant, mathematics, philosophy, intuition, concept construction, mathematical method. The Fundamental Differences Between Mathematics and Philosophy <br /> from Kant&#039;s Perspective<br /> <br /> Abstract<br /> This article examines Kant’s views on the fundamental distinctions between mathematics and philosophy, particularly the ineffectiveness of mathematical methods in philosophical inquiry. Kant contrasts his perspective with Mendelssohn’s, who, within the Wolff-Leibnizian tradition, believed metaphysics could achieve certainty through reason and logical deduction, akin to mathematics. Kant argues that mathematics employs a synthetic method, constructing concepts through pure intuition, whereas philosophy uses an analytical method to examine pre-given concepts. Mathematics achieves certainty by constructing concepts in intuition, but philosophy cannot adopt this approach, as its concepts are derived analytically from existing data. This methodological difference indicates that mathematical certainty cannot be transferred to philosophy. Thus, while mathematics offers a model for certainty in knowledge, its methods are not suitable for philosophy. Philosophy must find its own way to certainty through critical reflection on the conditions of possible experience, as outlined in transcendental philosophy. <br /> <br /> Keywords: Kant, mathematics, philosophy, intuition, concept construction, mathematical method.