Single Idea 5552

[catalogued under 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 2. Categories of Understanding]

Full Idea

Categories are concepts that prescribe laws a priori to appearances.

Gist of Idea

Categories are concepts that prescribe laws a priori to appearances

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B163)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.263


A Reaction

The intriguing word here is 'laws'. Might it be possible to create a new category of the understanding, by taking drugs, or by spectacularly imaginative thought? It all sounds a bit conservative (as Nietzsche suggested - Idea 2859).

Related Idea

Idea 2859 The idea of the categorical imperative is just that we should all be very obedient [Nietzsche]