noumenon

[ noo-muh-non ]

noun

, plural nou·me·na [noo, -m, uh, -n, uh].

1. the object, itself inaccessible to experience, to which a phenomenon is referred for the basis or cause of its sense content.
2. a thing in itself, as distinguished from a phenomenon or thing as it appears.
3. Kantianism. something that can be the object only of a purely intellectual, nonsensuous intuition.

noumenon

/ ˈnuːmɪnən; ˈnaʊ- /

noun

1. (in the philosophy of Kant) a thing as it is in itself, not perceived or interpreted, incapable of being known, but only inferred from the nature of experience Compare phenomenon See also thing-in-itself
2. the object of a purely intellectual intuition

Derived Forms

• ˈnoumenalist, nounadjective
• ˌnoumeˈnality, noun
• ˈnoumenally, adverb
• ˈnoumenalism, noun
• ˈnoumenal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of noumenon¹

1790–1800; < Greek nooúmenon a thing being perceived, noun use of neuter of present participle passive of noeîn to perceive; akin to nous

Word History and Origins

Origin of noumenon¹

C18: via German from Greek: thing being thought of, from noein to think, perceive; related to nous mind

Example Sentences

Humanity is ever seeking the Reality—the Noumenon, which we intuitively postulate as behind the phenomena of Nature.

From Project Gutenberg

At the end of the chain of phenomena the theist makes a mighty jump and gains the noumenon.

From Project Gutenberg

The outward fact is called the Phenomenon, and the corresponding inward principle is called the Noumenon.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a noumenon and belongs properly to the unknowable—that is to say, according to the sense in which it is understood.

From Project Gutenberg

The garden held a small temple consecrated to the Noumenon beyond phenomena.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conscience
• courage
• ego
• feeling
• genius
• heart
• intellect
• intelligence
• life
• mind
• personality
• spirit
• stuff
• thought
• vitality