Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or involving synthesis: Describing something that is formed by combining separate parts or elements into a coherent, complex whole. It emphasizes the process of putting things together.
   • Not derived from analysis or observation of fact; constructed: In logic and philosophy, describing a proposition whose truth or falsehood is determined by how its components relate, not merely by the definition of its terms or by direct observation.

Usage

• The primary use of "synthetical" is in formal, academic, or technical contexts, particularly in philosophy, logic, and the sciences. It is often interchangeable with "synthetic," though "synthetic" is more common in general usage.
• It describes methods, processes, statements, or materials that are built up from components.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The philosopher discussed the difference between analytical and synthetical judgments.
  • This synthetical approach to research combines data from multiple disciplines.
  • The chemist developed a new synthetical method for creating the polymer.

Advanced Usage

• In Kantian Philosophy: Immanuel Kant used the term "synthetical" (often translated as "synthetic") to describe a type of judgment where the predicate adds new information not contained within the subject concept (e.g., "All bodies are heavy"). The truth of such a judgment requires more than just analyzing the meaning of "body."
• Synthetical a priori: A key philosophical concept referring to knowledge that is both universal/necessary (a priori) yet also expands our understanding by synthesizing concepts (synthetical), such as "Every event has a cause."

Variants and Related Words

• Synthetic (adj): The more frequently used form with the same core meanings (e.g., synthetic fiber, synthetic proposition).
• Synthesis (n): The process or result of combining parts to form a whole.
• Synthesize (v): To combine components to form a coherent entity.

Synonyms

• Combined
• Composite
• Constructed
• Artificial (in the sense of human-made, not natural)
• Fabricated

Antonyms

• Analytical
• Natural
• Genuine (in the sense of authenticity)
• Elemental

Adjective

1. of a proposition whose truth value is determined by observation or facts
   • `all men are arrogant' is a synthetic proposition
2. involving or of the nature of synthesis (combining separate elements to form a coherent whole) as opposed to analysis
   • limnology is essentially a synthetic science composed of elements...that extend well beyond the limits of biology- P.S.Welch