Page:History of Modern Philosophy (Falckenberg).djvu/365

SPACE AND TIME INTUITIONS A PRIORI. 343 just act ; time, however, is not contained in the different times, but they are contained in it. Similarly the relation of infinite space to the finite spaces is not the logi- cal relation of a concept to examples of it, but the intuitive relation of an unlimited whole to its limited /^•arts. The Prolegomena employs as a fifth proof for the intui- tive character of space, an argument which had already appeared in the essay On the Ultimate Groimd of the Distinction of Positions in Space. There are certain spatial distinctions which can be grasped by intuition alone, and which are absolutely incapable of comprehension through the understanding — for example, those of right and left, above and below, before and behind. No logical marks can be given for the distinction between the object and its image in the mirror, or between the right ear and the left. The complete description of a right hand must, in all respects (quality, proportionate position of parts, size of the whole), hold for the left as well; but, despite the complete similarity, the one hand cannot be exactly super- imposed on the other ; the glove of the one cannot be worn on the other. This difference in direction, which has sig- nificance only when viewed from a definite point, and the impossibility mentioned of a congruence between an object (right hand) and its reflected image (left hand) can be understood only by intu itipn ; they must be seen and felt, and cannot be made clear through concepts, and, con- sequently, can never be explained to a being which lacks the intuition of space. — In the "transcendental " exposition of space and time Kant follows this " metaphysical " exposition, which had to prove their non-empirical, and non-discursive, hence their a priori Siud intuitive, character, with the proof that only i, such an explanation of space and time could make it con- r ccivable how synthetic cognitions a priori can arise from them. The principles of mathematics are of this kind. / The synthetic character of geometrical truths is explained/ by the"fntruitive nature of space, their apodictic character by its apriority, and their objective reality or applica- biniy to empirical objects bj^ the fact that space is the I