more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 9752

[filed under theme 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 5. Metaphysics beyond Science ]

Full Idea

In the 'Critique of Pure Reason' Kant shows that theoretical reason is unable to answer the questions of speculative metaphysics.

Gist of Idea

Kant showed that theoretical reason cannot give answers to speculative metaphysics

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781]) by Christine M. Korsgaard - Intro to 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' 'Intro'

Book Ref

Korsgaard,Christine M.: 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' [CUP 1996], p.3


A Reaction

I don't think I really agree with Kant. We can draw very extended inferences from experience, but the process rapidly becomes exceedingly difficult. The concepts we have built up are rather piecemeal, and not really designed for the job.


The 20 ideas with the same theme [metaphysics as transcending natural science]:

Physics studies transitory matter; metaphysics what is abstracted and necessary [Bacon]
Physics is of material and efficient causes, metaphysics of formal and final causes [Bacon]
Metaphysics is geometrical, resting on non-contradiction and sufficient reason [Leibniz]
We can grasp the wisdom of God a priori [Leibniz]
Kant showed that theoretical reason cannot give answers to speculative metaphysics [Kant, by Korsgaard]
A priori metaphysics is fond of basic unchanging entities like God, the soul, Forms, atoms… [Kant, by Fogelin]
A dove cutting through the air, might think it could fly better in airless space (which Plato attempted) [Kant]
Metaphysics goes beyond the empirical, so doesn't need examples [Kant]
Metaphysics is just a priori universal principles of physics [Kant]
Metaphysics studies the inexplicable ends of explanation [Schopenhauer]
Metaphysics is the science of both experience, and its general laws and types [Peirce]
Claims about 'the Absolute' are not even verifiable in principle [Ayer on Bradley]
Some say metaphysics is a highly generalised empirical study of objects [Tarski]
All metaphysical discussion should be guided by a quest for truthmakers [Armstrong]
Philosophy is a magnificent failure in its attempt to overstep the limits of our knowledge [McGinn]
Realist metaphysics concerns what is real; naive metaphysics concerns natures of things [Fine,K]
Only metaphysics can decide whether identity survives through change [Lowe]
Metaphysics tells us what there could be, rather than what there is [Lowe]
Esoteric metaphysics aims to be top science, investigating ultimate reality [Hofweber]
Metaphysics can criticise interpretations of science theories, and give good feedback [Ingthorsson]