Single Idea 21441

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 3. Idealism / b. Transcendental idealism]

Full Idea

The word 'transcendental' does not mean something that goes beyond all experience, but something which, though it precedes (a priori) all experience, is destined only to make knowledge by experience possible.

Gist of Idea

'Transcendental' is not beyond experience, but a prerequisite of experience

Source

Immanuel Kant (Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic [1781], 373 n)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic', ed/tr. Lucas,Peter G. [Manchester UP 1971], p.144


A Reaction

One of two explanations by Kant of 'transcendental', picked out by Sebastian Gardner. I think the word 'prerequisite' covers the idea nicely, using a normal English word. Or am I missing something?

Related Idea

Idea 21442 'Transcendental' cognition concerns what can be known a priori of its mode [Kant]