A Priori Synthetic Judgments in Physics: Kant’s View
A Priori Synthetic Judgments in Physics
Analytical Concepts
The Understanding as a Faculty of Concepts: It is now possible to explain how synthetic judgments a priori are possible by analyzing another of the physical faculties of knowledge: understanding. Sensitivity and understanding are the two constituent phases of knowledge. Through sensitivity, we are given objects; through understanding, we can understand them.
We understand what something is when we can embrace that something under one concept.
Read MoreSaint Anselm and David Hume: Key Philosophical Insights
**Saint Anselm: Background and Key Concepts**
**Scholasticism**
Scholasticism designates the education prevalent in the Middle Ages, primarily in monastic schools. It involved efforts to create a Christian philosophy, raising questions about the relationship between faith and reason. Two prominent doctrines within scholasticism were Augustinianism and Aristotelianism. Saint Anselm is considered the first philosopher of the Middle Ages, heavily influenced by Saint Augustine.
**The Ontological Argument*
Read MorePropositional Knowledge, Truth, Reality, and the Limits of Understanding
Propositional Knowledge
A proposition is a declarative sentence that affirms or denies something. There are two types:
- Empirical propositions: Assert or deny something about the world, have content, and can be contrasted with experience.
- Formal propositions: Do not have empirical content. They say nothing about the world but rather about the relations between symbols.
For a proposition to contribute to knowledge, it has to be true and justifiable.
Truth and Reality
Truth has been one of the fundamental
Read MoreKant’s Philosophy: Reason, Ethics, and the Social Contract
Kant’s Critique of Rationalism and Empiricism
Rationalists (or dogmatists) are Cartesian-rationalists. They believe that metaphysical knowledge is possible based solely on pure concepts (reason), without any experience, leading to the construction of a philosophical system. Kant accused them of being too critical, not self-reflective enough, with the concept of reason that they use because it starts from the premise that it must be true. The truth of the postulates of reason becomes a dogma. For
Read MoreHellenistic Philosophy: Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism, and Neoplatonism
Hellenistic Philosophy: Key Schools and Concepts
**a) 4th Century BC to 1st Century BC:**
Three schools of thought are prominent during this period:
- Stoicism: Founded by Zeno of Citium, Stoicism had a significant influence on Christianity. Stoics taught at a stoa (a covered walkway or portico). This school can be divided into three periods:
- Old or Greek
- Middle (of little importance)
- Roman: The most representative period, reaching its greatest expansion.
Notable Stoics include Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Stoics
Subjective Assessment in STEM: Belief vs. Knowledge
Opinion
Opinion is a subjective assessment. An opinion is usually a review of reality, how resources should be used, and may be based on beliefs, but normally the content is not supported by reasons.
Belief (Assertive Use)
When we speak of belief in STEM, we often do not have enough evidence to prove it. Belief is the acceptance of the truth of knowledge.
Knowledge
Knowledge is the belief of which STEM fields are safe and can be trusted. The possibility of rationally justifying something characterizes
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