Single Idea 5567

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 10. A Priori as Subjective]

Full Idea

The understanding can never accomplish a priori anything more than to anticipate the form of a possible experience in general.

Gist of Idea

A priori the understanding can only anticipate possible experiences

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B303/A246)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.345


A Reaction

This is why many people think that Kant brough metaphysical (ontological) speculation to an end. He asserts that synthetic a priori knowledge is possible, but then imposes a huge limitation on it.