Empiricism Quote by Immanuel Kant
““It is clearly the result, not of carelessness but of matured judgement of our age, which will no longer rest satisfied with the mere appearance of knowledge. It is, at the same time, a powerful appeal to reason to undertake anew the most difficult of its tasks, namely that of self-knowledge, and to institute a court of appeal which should protect reason in its rightful claims, but dismiss all groundless pretensions, and to do this not by the means of despotic decrees but according to the eternal and unalterable laws of reason. This court of appeal is no other than the critique of pure reason itself.””
About This Quote
Source Critique of Pure Reason, 1781
Reason must critique itself, rejecting unfounded claims and protecting rational inquiry through a self‑governing court of reason.
In simple terms: Reason should self‑police and reject baseless ideas.
Key Takeaway
Apply critical thinking and uphold rational standards.
Themes
reason
critique
knowledge
self‑knowledge
justice
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- media analysis
- personal belief systems
- education
Key Concepts
epistemology
philosophy
logic
ethics
law
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate the validity of your beliefs?
- What mechanisms guard reason in your field?
A Different Perspective
Self‑critique can be paralyzing; over‑analysis may hinder action.
