Abstract
Lambert’s theory of postulates plays a crucial role in the development of Kant’s concept of synthesis. Laywine (2010) has put forward this thesis, which is developed further in this essay. I will first provide some evidence for Lambert’s influence on Kant in general (1). Secondly, I will show that Lambert’s theory of postulates, which involves a radical revision of Wolff’s mathematical method, influenced Kant’s concept of synthesis (2.1). These methodological improvements enabled Kant to findaway to solve the problem of the transcendental deduction of the categories (2.2). Thirdly, I will analyse the extent to which Lambert’s theory of postulates is crucial to his own reform of metaphysics, in particular through his new concept of generality („Allgemeinheit“) (3) and his new concept of the a priori (4). Both innovations are rooted in Lambert’s theory of postulates and shed new light on Kant’s revolution.
