Abstract

The main point of disagreement about Kant's approach of the problem of truth is whether it can be understood within the apparatus of contemporary philosophy as a coherence or a correspondence theory. By favoring a systematic consideration of Kant's argumentation in light of the available literature on the problem, this paper argues toward the latter alternative. It is sustained that the definition of truth as "the agreement of cognition with its object" is cogent throughout Kant's thought and that it is finally approached not from an established theory, but as a problem to which a solution cannot be given within the boundaries of the critical-transcendental philosophy. Initially, the literature which locates Kant either as coherentist or correspondentist is taken into account. The latter is systematized into four groups: the ontological reading; the isomorphic reading; the "consequentialist" reading; the regulative reading. Secondly, the argumentation in the pre-critical period is approached. It is argued that a coherence theory lacks its confirmation already within it and that in the decade of 1750 Kant disposes of the isomorphic correspondence reading. Finally, the critical argumentation is considered. It is sustained that the critical approach takes truth as a fundamental problem which cannot be held by a "consequencialist" or regulative correspondence theory.