(In Kantian and idealist thought) the noumenal self, which is itself beyond the reach of empirical knowledge but is postulated to explain how empirical knowledge is possible; (in wider use) a higher self or part of the self conceived as transcending the realm of ordinary knowledge or experience; frequently opposed to empirical ego.
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of transcendental ego in US English:
transcendental ego
noun
Philosophy
(In Kantian and idealist thought) the noumenal self, which is itself beyond the reach of empirical knowledge but is postulated to explain how empirical knowledge is possible; (in wider use) a higher self or part of the self conceived as transcending the realm of ordinary knowledge or experience; frequently opposed to empirical ego.