Date: 04 Jul 96 02:52:00 EDT
From: "Chris, London" <100423.2040-AT-compuserve.com>
Subject: On the Kantian Theory of Space


Rahul suggested he might retreat in penance to M2 and study among other
things, Kantian epistemology.

Why to M2 when only M1 can ensure the presence of followers on 
the author of the 178 page dissertation 
"On the Kantian Theory of Space" in which
it was suggested that Kant was outmoded by the discoveries of 
modern physics. While respecting Kant for centering the philosophy
on reason, the author rejected him because of Kant' dependence 
on Newtonian physics and Euclidian geometry. 

The author cited relativity theory and stressed that other forms
of geometry apart from that of Euclid were equally valid. He 
perceived Kant as a subjective idealist superseded by the empiric
materialism of Einstein. He concluded: "The space-time continuum
does not constitute a reference system on the basis of which one
can build unvarying natural laws." 

His philosphy dissertation, written in the early 60's reflected
his firm adherence to dialectical materialism and Marxism - 
according to Simon Strong.


I would be interested to hear comments as to whether these 
criticisms of Kant are broadly acceptable from a marxist point of 
view, or whether they are shallow and dogmatic.

CB.


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