Single Idea 16889

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 4. A Priori as Necessities]

Full Idea

If it is possible to derive a proof purely from general laws, which themselves neither need nor admit of proof, then the truth is a priori.

Gist of Idea

A truth is a priori if it can be proved entirely from general unproven laws

Source

Gottlob Frege (Grundlagen der Arithmetik (Foundations) [1884], §03), quoted by Tyler Burge - Frege on Apriority (with ps) 1

Book Reference

Burge,Tyler: 'Truth, Thought, Reason (on Frege)' [OUP 2001], p.359


A Reaction

Burge brings out the contrast with Kant, for whom a priori truths are derived from particular facts, not general ones.