Single Idea 18796

[catalogued under 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 4. Necessity from Concepts]

Full Idea

Whatever agrees with the formal conditions of experience is possible, ...and that whose connection with the actual is determined in accordance with general conditions of experience is (exists) necessarily.

Gist of Idea

Formal experience conditions show what is possible, and general conditions what is necessary

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B266/A218)

Book Reference

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


A Reaction

This is the Kantian view of necessity, as more concerned with how we think than with how the world is. I think there are necessities in reality, and philosophy endeavours to discern what they are (despite the mockery of scientists).

Related Idea

Idea 18795 A concept is logically possible if non-contradictory (but may not be actually possible) [Kant]