Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the discussions in the Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics, reflecting the major themes and arguments presented.

Prolegomena

A preliminary discussion or introduction to a subject.

Metaphysics

A branch of philosophy that deals with first principles and underlying nature of reality.

Cognition a priori

Knowledge that is independent of experience.

Analytic judgments

Judgments that analyze the concept of the subject without adding new information.

Synthetic judgments

Judgments that add new information to the concept of the subject.

Principle of contradiction

A fundamental law stating that contradictory propositions cannot both be true.

David Hume

An influential philosopher known for his empiricism and skepticism about metaphysics.

Science

A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions.

Pure reason

The faculty that provides knowledge that is not derived from experience.

Synthetic propositions

Statements that extend knowledge beyond the given concepts.

Cause and effect

The relationship between events whereby one thing is the result of another.

Empirical knowledge

Knowledge that is derived from sensory experience.

Common sense

Sound practical judgment not based on specialized knowledge.

Judgments a posteriori

Judgments based on experience.

Judgments a priori

Judgments that are known to be true without requiring experience.

Reform of metaphysics

A call for a transformation in the approach and understanding of metaphysics.

Skepticism

A philosophical attitude of doubting the validity of certain knowledge.

Human understanding

The capacity to comprehend and make sense of experiences and knowledge.

Philosophical inquiry

A process of investigation into fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and reality.

Critical philosophy

An approach that seeks to examine the foundations of knowledge and belief.