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Single Idea 12414

[from 'Critique of Pure Reason' by Immanuel Kant, in 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 1. Nature of the A Priori ]

Full Idea

We will understand by a priori cognitions not those that occur independently of this or that experience, but rather those that occur absolutely independently of all experience.

Gist of Idea

A priori knowledge occurs absolutely independently of all experience

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B003)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.137


A Reaction

Kitcher quotes this, and raises questions about how widely we should understand 'experience', and how strongly we can assert total 'independence'. But then he is attacking the whole idea of a priori knowledge. He modifies Kant's formulation (Idea 12415).

Related Idea