Kant and Husserl's Theories of Meaning

This book offers a comprehensive view of Kant’s theory of linguistic meaning and compares it to Husserl’s approach to the topic. Kant’s theory of meaning compared to Husserl’s is analysed from the point of view of consciousness and intuition, as well as from the point of view of the structure of ethical meaning. This book presents an innovative approach both to Kant’s philosophy as well as to the much-debated question of the relationship between Kantian transcendental philosophy and Husserlian phenomenology. More precisely, it shows how the question of meaning constitutes an unexpected point of continuity and at the same time of difference amongst these two thinkers. Furthermore, this investigation highlights the existence of a particular tradition of conceiving meaning among the last centuries of Western philosophical history, and offers fruitful insights for contemporary semantic theories. The work appeals to students and researchers and offers two main insights. First it shows the existence of an original theory of meaning in Kant’s critical thought via a thorough analysis of his writings. Then, through a confrontation with Husserl's phenomenology of meaning, it is revealed that both Kant and Husserl grant a primacy to consciousness even though intentionality remains a peculiar element of Husserl’s thought.