Abstract

In identifying rationality as belonging to our 'second nature', McDowell’s specific form of naturalism aims at reconciling the reflecting subject with the world. The detailed exposition of this idea in 'Mind and World', however, operates with two conflicting claims. While arguing for the bodily nature of subjectivity and thus disagreeing fundamentally with Kant’s transcendental conception of reason, McDowell still retains the central Kantian claim that thinking is an autonomous and self-standing capacity. The article argues that the bodily nature of subjectivity (even within the framework of a ‚relaxed‘ naturalism) does not allow for the strong Kantian idea of autonomy. Taking McDowell’s revision of Kant’s transcendental framework to its conclusion requires to go beyond the concept of innate rational capacities. Rather, thinking should be seen as being operative in material practices.