ARU The Analytic Synthetic Distinction and The Classical Model of Science Discussion
ANSWER
- Kant’s Perspective: Kant believed that synthetic a priori knowledge was possible and essential to human understanding. He argued that mathematics and certain metaphysical truths, like his own “transcendental deductions,” were synthetic a priori propositions. He claimed that we could access such knowledge through pure reason and without empirical experience.
- Verification through Experience: To determine the truth of synthetic a priori propositions, Kant proposed a method of “transcendental reflection” or “transcendental deduction.” In essence, this involved examining the necessary conditions that make certain experiences possible. For example, to establish the truth of a proposition like “Every event has a cause,” Kant would argue that we can reflect on the conditions of our experience and find that causality is a necessary concept for us to make sense of the world. Therefore, it is synthetic (combining concepts) and a priori (prior to experience).
- Logical Coherence and Consistency: Kant also stressed the importance of logical coherence and consistency in determining the truth of synthetic a priori propositions. If a proposition can be logically derived from certain fundamental concepts (as in mathematics), and it does not lead to contradictions, it is considered a legitimate synthetic a priori proposition.
- Intuition and Concept Formation: Kant emphasized the role of intuition in the formation of concepts. In mathematics, for example, we often have a priori intuitions of space and time that allow us to construct mathematical concepts like points, lines, and shapes. These intuitions underpin synthetic a priori knowledge in mathematics.
- Debate and Critical Evaluation: It’s important to note that Kant’s ideas on synthetic a priori knowledge have been a subject of debate and critique throughout the history of philosophy. Some philosophers, like Hume, were skeptical of the possibility of synthetic a priori knowledge. Others, such as later phenomenologists like Husserl, developed their own theories on a priori knowledge.
In modern philosophy, the debate continues, and there is no consensus on whether certain propositions can be definitively classified as synthetic a priori and, if so, how to establish their truth. It often involves a deep analysis of the concepts involved, logical reasoning, and consideration of whether these concepts are necessary for coherent thought or experience.
In summary, determining the truth of synthetic a priori propositions involves a complex interplay of logic, intuition, reflection on the conditions of experience, and philosophical analysis. It remains a topic of philosophical investigation and discussion.
QUESTION
Description
please respond to Atlantis According to Kant, Analytic Judgments are those where the predicate is contained within the subject. For example, Triangles have three sides. Analytic truths are based on the meaning of the words. Synthetic Judgments are those where the predicate adds something to the subject. For example, the sky is blue. Synthetic truths are based on experiences. They lack the predicate concept.
- A Priori is knowledge that can be attained without experiencing the world, they are by reason alone, internal uthoughts could provide a priori knowledge. A Posteriori is knowledge that can be obtained through only the outside world, through experience. As for the principle of analytic judgement, my reading has fallen short in this area but I think it has to do with the principle of contradiction, which states that “ no thing can have a predicate that contradicts it.” As for Hume and his principle on synthetic judgements, both he and Kant agreed about the Causal Principle, that it can be negated without contradiction, Hume concluded that it couldn’t be a priori. Hume also thought that all synthetic judgements were a posteriori and that all analytic judgements are a priori. My question is, how would it be possible to determine which synthetic priori questions are true, and what methods could be used to determine this? It has been debated whether this is even possible.
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