Acatalepsy
The doctrine that certain knowledge is unattainable — that human understanding can reach probability but never grasp a thing as it is.
Full definition of Acatalepsy →:: COMPARE ::
The short answer
Katalepsis is the claim that some impressions announce their own truth. Acatalepsy is the counter-claim that none can. The whole quarrel of Hellenistic epistemology fits inside that pair.
Side by side
| Aspect | Acatalepsy | Katalepsis |
|---|---|---|
| Claims | Nothing can be grasped | Some things can |
| School | Academic Skeptic | Stoic |
| Criterion of truth | None available | The cognitive impression |
| Practical answer | The plausible | Assent |
What each one means
The doctrine that certain knowledge is unattainable — that human understanding can reach probability but never grasp a thing as it is.
Full definition of Acatalepsy →The contrast above sets out how Katalepsis differs from Acatalepsy on the points that actually matter.