Abstract

In this essay consciousness or rather ‚intuition‘ („Anschauung“ as vivid presence) is subject in three different respects: First of all it is to be shown that consciousness is an undoubted phenomenon. Therefore it is (in the words of Descartes) a fundamentum inconcussum. Second, the essence of consciousness and its intentionality is to be cleared up. And last but not least the function of consciousness as the fundamental source of knowledge and foundation of justification is to be exposed. For that purpose we will interpret the „principle of all principles“ (Ideen I, § 24).