Anschauung

/ˈɑːnʃaʊ.ʊŋ/ noun

Definition

A German philosophical term meaning intuitive or direct perception of something, often contrasted with abstract reasoning.

Etymology

From German 'Anschauung,' literally 'viewing' or 'looking at,' from Middle High German 'anschouwen' meaning 'to look at' or 'to observe,' used extensively in Kantian and German idealist philosophy.

Kelly Says

Kant used this term to argue that pure intuition shapes how we see the world—it's the difference between understanding 'triangle' as a concept versus actually visualizing one in your mind's eye.

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