Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
noumena
noun
/nuːˈmɛnə/
Definition
Noumena refers to things as they are in themselves, not as they are perceived by our senses. It is a concept in philosophy, particularly in the works of Immanuel Kant.
Examples
- Kant distinguished between phenomena and noumena in his critique of pure reason.
- The concept of noumena challenges our understanding of reality and perception.
- Philosophers debate whether we can have knowledge of noumena at all.
Meaning
In philosophical terms, noumena represent the reality behind our experiences, the objective existence of things outside of human perception.
Synonyms
- Realities
- Essences
- Things-in-themselves
