Der Wille als Ursache

According to Kant, the proof of free will forms the "Schlussstein" of a coherent system of theoretical and practical philosophy. Still, in the current debate it is controversial whether he has succeeded in proving this. This thesis argues for a coherent reading of Kant's philosophy and, with the concept of cause, has identified a connecting element that builds a bridge between Kant's theoretical and practical philosophy. To this end, the first part of the thesis traces the "deduction" of the concept of cause in theoretical terms, and the second part justifies its practical extension to the will, in order to derive an argument for freedom of the will. In this context, topics such as self-deception and the meaning of authenticity, as well as Hume's influence on Kant and the concept of transcendental freedom are also elaborated in detail.