prolegomenon Definition
a preliminary discussion, especially a formal essay introducing a work of considerable length or complexity.
Using prolegomenon: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "prolegomenon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The prolegomenon to the book provides an overview of the author's research methodology.
Example
The editor wrote a prolegomenon to the new edition of the classic novel.
Example
The prolegomenon was necessary to provide context for the reader before delving into the main text.
prolegomenon Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for prolegomenon
Phrases with prolegomenon
Kant's Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics
a work by Immanuel Kant, published in 1783, which is a short summary and introduction to his Critique of Pure Reason
Example
In 'Kant's Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics,' he argues that metaphysics can be achieved through the study of a priori concepts.
a work by Mark Steedman, published in 1991, which is a theoretical framework for analyzing the structure of arguments in natural language
Example
Steedman's 'prolegomenon to a theory of argument structure' has been influential in the field of computational linguistics.
a work by John Macquarrie, published in 1965, which is an exploration of the philosophical underpinnings of religious belief
Example
Macquarrie's 'prolegomenon to a philosophy of religion' argues that religious experience is a valid source of knowledge about the divine.
Origins of prolegomenon
from Greek 'prolegein', meaning 'to say beforehand'
Summary: prolegomenon in Brief
The term 'prolegomenon' [proh-li-gom-uh-non] refers to a preliminary discussion, often in the form of a formal essay, that introduces a work of significant length or complexity. It provides context for the reader before delving into the main text. Examples include 'Kant's Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics,' which summarizes his Critique of Pure Reason, and 'prolegomenon to a theory of argument structure,' which is a theoretical framework for analyzing the structure of arguments in natural language.