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Single Idea 5565

[from 'Critique of Pure Reason' by Immanuel Kant, in 2. Reason / B. Laws of Thought / 2. Sufficient Reason ]

Full Idea

A proof of the principle of sufficient reason has often been sought, but always in vain.

Gist of Idea

Proof of the principle of sufficient reason cannot be found

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B265/A217)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.321


A Reaction

This might, of course, be because the principle is false. However it is quite a good candidate for an a priori, or even innate, principle of thought in rational beings. Gödel's Theorem suggests why the enterprise of proof would be doomed.