The Fundamental Differences Between Mathematics and Philosophy from Kant's Perspective

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Faculty Member of the Department of Philosophy at Shahid Beheshti University

10.22108/mph.2025.145827.1654

Abstract

The Fundamental Differences Between Mathematics and Philosophy

from Kant's Perspective



Abstract

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.



Keywords: Kant, mathematics, philosophy, intuition, concept construction, mathematical method.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Metaphysics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 November 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 13 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 November 2025

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