The Temptations of Metaphysics: Epistemological and Metaphysical Dimensions of Mou Zongsan's Critique of the Cognitive Mind

The Critique of the Cognitive Mind (Renshixin zhi pipan 認識心之批判) is part of a relatively early phase in Mou Zongsan's 牟宗三 (1909–1995) long and complex intellectual trajectory. The present article tries to think through the relation between knowledge (epistemology) and existence (ontology) in the Critique against the background of the later Mou's attempt to put forward a form of "moral metaphysics" (daode de xing'ershangxue 道德的形而上學) inspired by Kant's critical philosophy.