Kant, Intentional Laser Beams, and the Mismatch Argument for a Phenomenalist Reading

This paper aims to reconsider the relation between two opposed classes of interpretation of Kant’s idealism: (1) metaphysical two-aspect readings and (2) intentional object phenomenalist readings. Two major claims are advanced: first, I show that the difference between these views is far less drastic than many of their proponents (on both sides) make it seem; second, I argue that the phenomenalist option is nevertheless to be preferred because it gives the intuitively more natural description of Kant’s metaphysical picture of the mind-world relation. Both arguments are rooted in considerations about intentionality and conditions on successful intentional directedness.