cognition

is unable to transcend the limits of possible experience, and yet this is not an obstacle, but precisely the most essential object of this science which deals only with phenomenon.

But from this deduction of the faculty of a priori cognition in the first part of metaphysics, we derive a surprising result, and one which, to all appearance, militates against the great end of metaphysics, as treated in the second part. For we come to the conclusion that our faculty of cognition is unable to transcend the limits of possible experience... and yet this is precisely the most essential object of this science. The estimate of our rational cognition a priori at which we arrive is that it has only to do with phenomena, and that things in themselves, while possessing a real existence, lie beyond its sphere. (kant 'CPR' 14)

cognition, n.Definitions

cognition