A Palingenesis and Its Consequences 187Here Kant still accepted the continuity thesis, and in this essay space was
not only not a form of sensible intuition, but also was conceived in New¬
tonian terms: it was an independent reality for him. But soon after he
published this essay, Kant changed his view on both the continuity thesis
and the nature of space. This happened in 1769. This did not mean, of
course, that he would present his new theory without further delay. It only
meant that he now believed that he knew what theory he intended to de¬
fend. This theory was ultimately to provide his newfound character with
a philosophical justification and defense.