Cunoașterea umană și apărarea metafizicii la Ion Petrovici

Abstract

This article presents Ion Petrovici’s philosophical conception and his arguments in defense of metaphysics. Influenced by Kantianism, the Romanian philosopher promoted an idealism that opposes subjectivism and positivist agnosticism while weakening Kantian agnosticism. Petrovici strongly defended metaphysics, considering it essential both from a theoretical perspective, for the overall understanding of the world, and from a practical one, influencing human conduct. He rejected the idea that the positive sciences could replace metaphysics, pointing out that their subject matter and methods differ significantly, and also criticised views that consider metaphysics an outdated discipline, arguing that it continues to offer valuable insights into reality. Finally, Petrovici stressed the importance of the empiricist-rationalist method in metaphysics, complemented by aesthetic and mystical approaches, to achieve a deeper understanding of reality.