Paralogisms reveal errors in applying categories to the self from "summary" of Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
The Paralogisms, as I have expounded upon, serve to uncover the fallacies that arise when one attempts to apply categories to the self. These errors, though subtle, can have profound implications for our understanding of the nature of the self. By examining these Paralogisms, we can gain insight into the limitations of our cognitive faculties when it comes to understanding the self. In the first Paralogism, I demonstrate how the concept of the self as a substance leads to a contradiction. When we attempt to conceive of the self as a substance, we are inevitably drawn into a web of confusion and ambiguity. This confusion stems from our tendency to treat the self as an object of intuition, when in fact it is something far more elusive and complex. The second Paralogism delves into the notion of the self as a simple substance. Here, I argue that our attempts to conceive of the self as a simple substance are misguided. The self, I assert, is not a simple entity that can be grasped through mere introspection. Rather, it is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that eludes easy categorization. The third Paralogism focuses on the self as a necessary being. I caution against the temptation to view the self as a necessary being, as this leads to a host of logical inconsistencies. By scrutinizing this notion, we can uncover the errors that arise when we attempt to impose categories of necessity onto the self. In the fourth and final Paralogism, I address the concept of the self as a permanent substance. Here, I argue that our attempts to conceive of the self as a permanent substance are fraught with difficulties. The self, I posit, is not a fixed and unchanging entity, but rather a dynamic and evolving construct that defies simple categorization.- The Paralogisms reveal the inherent difficulties in applying categories to the self. By grappling with these errors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the limitations of our cognitive faculties when it comes to understanding the nature of the self.
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