Kant's Invisible Self

Abstract

This dissertation explores the role of the metaphysically real self—the self as a thing in itself—in Kant’s theory of the self and self-consciousness. I defend two central theses. First, that Kant’s theory of the self, personal identity, and self-referring mental states relies on the real self. Second, that the role of the real self in Kant’s theory is well-theorized: the explanation of cognitive and metaphysical relations in which we stand to our real selves are compatible with Kant’s overarching philosophical commitments. In defending these theses, I argue that taking seriously the importance of the real self opens up interesting and rich avenues of applicability for Kant’s theory to live questions about the self and identity.