Representing Subjects, Mind-dependent Objects. Kant, Leibniz and the Amphiboly

In this paper, we will discuss the relationship between Kant’s and Leibniz’s positions on a question which is rather specific, and yet central to understand correctly the epistemological conceptions of these two philosophers. We will compare Kant’s and Leibniz’s positions on the relationship between knowing subjects and known objects. We shall begin by looking into the Amphiboly. However, we will not discuss all of Kant’s arguments in detail, as such discussions are readily available in the literature. We do not aim to defend the primacy of Leibniz’s or Kant’s conception of the relationship between knowing subjects and known objects, as some scholars have done. Rather, we will try to individuate the main reason for Kant’s disagreement with Leibniz in the Amphiboly. Then, commenting on this disagreement, we shall highlight two important aspects of the relationship between Kant’s and Leibniz’s philosophies regarding knowing subjects and known objects.