Volume 87, Issue 2

Equality, similarity and congruence are essential elements of Kant’s theory of geometrical cognition; nevertheless, Kant’s account of them is not well understood. This paper provides historical context for treatments of these geometrical relations, presents Kant’s views on their mathematical definitions, and explains Kant’s theory of their cognition. It also places Kant’s theory within the larger context of his understanding of the quality-quantity distinction. Most importantly, it argues that the relation of equality, in conjunction with the categories of quantity, plays a pivotal and wide-ranging role in Kant’s account of mathematical cognition.

God’s providence appears to threaten the existence of human freedom. This paper examines why Descartes considered this threat merely apparent. Section one argues that Descartes did not reconcile providence and freedom by adopting a compatibilist conception of freedom. Sections two and three argue that for Descartes, God’s superior knowledge allows God to providentially arrange free choices without causally determining them. Descartes’ position thus strongly resembles the “middle knowledge” solution of the Jesuits. Section four examines the problematic relationship between this solution and the creation of the eternal truths, arguing that Descartes’ position depends on his unique understanding of divine simplicity.

The paper deals with the peculiar nature of Anselm’s rationalism, focussing on the dialogue Cur deus homo . On the one hand, the argument in Cur deus homo is based on reason alone. On the other hand, the dialogic nature of the work allows Anselm to unfold emotional states in a way that almost anticipates Kierkegaard. Anselm’s rationalism does not exclude the experience of anxiety and despair, and this is where faith comes to the rescue. Finally, God’s presence in the search is shown to be logically compatible with the rationalist nature of the search.

TIELEMAN, TEUN: Chrysippus’ ‘On Affections’ . Reconstruction and Interpretation (Katja Vogt) PLATON: Nomoi (Gesetze), Buch IV–VII . Übersetzung und Kommentar von Klaus Schöpsdau (Kai Trampedach) HARTE, VERITY: Plato on Parts and Wholes (Allan Silverman)