Transcendence in philosophy refers to the idea of going beyond or exceeding the limits of human experience. It is a basic ground concept that has varying connotations in different historical and cultural stages. Philosophical definitions of transcendence are generally grounded in reason and empirical observation, and seek to provide a framework for understanding the world that is not reliant on religious beliefs or supernatural forces. On the other hand, religious definitions of transcendence often emphasize the idea of connecting with something beyond the self or the material world, and may focus on concepts such as God, the soul, or the afterlife.
The concept of transcendence is used by many philosophers and has three different but related meanings: Ancient philosophy, Medieval philosophy, and modern philosophy. Transcendence often refers to an experience with the divine or God, which is conceived as absolute, eternal, and infinite. Negative theology and mysticism recognizes the limits of conceptual understanding or linguistic articulation of that which transcends the phenomenal world. Ethical-religious transcendence signifies that God’s transcendence is also a call to human beings to transcend themselves, to become more than they are.
In summary, transcendence in philosophy refers to the idea of going beyond human experience, whether through reason and empirical observation or through religious beliefs. It is a concept that has been used by many philosophers throughout history and has different meanings depending on the context.
