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The present paper examines the problem of “können” at the very beginning of KrV § 16 by offering a linguistic analysis of the term in order to highlight the difference between Kant’s and Fichte’s views on pure apperception, self-reflection and self-consciousness. Firstly, it will be considered whether “können” is redundant in the Kantian account. Secondly, it will studied the hypothesis that this term represents probability. Thirdly, it will be discussed why Fichte finds Kant’s argument to be unsatisfactory. As a conclusion, it will be argued that Kant’s “können” ruins the unity of the I or subject that is central for Fichte.

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