Single Idea 5568

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 3. Idealism / b. Transcendental idealism]

Full Idea

We have no insight into the possibility of noumena (things in themselves), and the domain outside the sphere of appearances is empty (for us).

Gist of Idea

We cannot know things in themselves, but are confined to appearances

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B310/A255)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.362


A Reaction

Yet another philosopher confusing ontology and epistemology! Every day we go beyond our experiences by inference (smoke means fire). Metaphysics is the inference of the nature of things in themselves, from within our prison of appearances.

Related Idea

Idea 21453 Leibnizian monads qualify as Kantian noumena [Gardner]