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Single Idea 5619

[from 'Critique of Pure Reason' by Immanuel Kant, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 13. Against Definition ]

Full Idea

Strictly speaking no concept given a priori can be defined, e.g. substance, cause, right, equity, etc.

Gist of Idea

No a priori concept can be defined

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B756/A728)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.638


A Reaction

A passing remark with large and interesting implications. A huge amount of ink has been spilled over whether to take concepts such as identity, truth, goodness and substance as 'basic', or reduce them to something else.