... able to avoid idealism, since the proof of the existence of an external world follows from this structure. However, some commentators have pointed out flaws in Kant's theory that demonstrate that he does not necessarily escape the charge of solipsism. As Strawson states: 'Kant, as transcendental idealist, is closer to Berkeley than he acknowledges' [1, p.22]. Russell pointed out that all Kant's immediate successors, Fichte, Hegel, Schelling, were led to develop his philosophy in a subjectivist or idealist direction, and 'fell into something very like solipsism' [2, p.689]. In this essay I shall examine this question, firstly by briefly expounding Kant's defence of his system - that the objects of our perceptions have empirical reality, and then by stating the case put against Kant. Finally, I will outline some revisions that have been proposed that may save Kant's system from solipsism. Empirical Reality Kant makes it clear that all knowledge begins with experience. ...

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