A Posteriori

Definition

A posteriori knowledge is knowledge that is derived from empirical observation and experience, rather than from pure reason or intuition. It is knowledge that is gained through the senses and the accumulation of evidence, rather than being innate or self-evident.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A posteriori knowledge is often contrasted with a priori knowledge, which is knowledge that is independent of experience.
2. A posteriori knowledge is based on the observation and analysis of empirical evidence, rather than on pure reason or intuition.
3. The acquisition of a posteriori knowledge is an ongoing process, as new experiences and observations can lead to the revision or expansion of existing knowledge.
4. A posteriori knowledge is often considered to be more reliable and trustworthy than a priori knowledge, as it is grounded in the tangible evidence of the physical world.
5. The distinction between a priori and a posteriori knowledge is a central concern in the field of epistemology, which studies the nature and sources of human knowledge.

Review Questions

• Explain how a posteriori knowledge differs from a priori knowledge.
  • A posteriori knowledge is derived from empirical observation and experience, while a priori knowledge is independent of experience and can be known through reason alone. A posteriori knowledge is based on the accumulation of evidence from the physical world, whereas a priori knowledge is based on logical deduction and intuition. The key distinction is that a posteriori knowledge is gained through the senses and the analysis of empirical data, while a priori knowledge is derived from pure reason and does not require direct observation or experimentation.
• Describe the role of empiricism in the acquisition of a posteriori knowledge.
  • Empiricism is the theory that the origin of all knowledge is sensory experience, and that genuine knowledge can only come from actual experience of the world. In the context of a posteriori knowledge, empiricism is the underlying philosophical foundation that emphasizes the importance of empirical observation and the gathering of evidence through the senses as the primary means of acquiring knowledge. Empiricists believe that all knowledge ultimately derives from the evidence of the physical world, rather than from pure reason or intuition. The acquisition of a posteriori knowledge is therefore closely tied to the empiricist approach, which values the systematic observation and analysis of empirical data as the basis for understanding the world around us.
• Analyze how the distinction between a priori and a posteriori knowledge relates to the study of epistemology.
  • The distinction between a priori and a posteriori knowledge is a central concern in the field of epistemology, which examines the nature, sources, and limits of human knowledge. Epistemologists are interested in understanding the different ways in which we can acquire knowledge and the relative merits of various approaches. The a priori/a posteriori distinction is crucial in this regard, as it highlights the fundamental differences between knowledge that is derived from reason alone and knowledge that is derived from empirical observation and experience. This distinction is at the heart of ongoing debates within epistemology about the relative importance of reason and empiricism in the pursuit of knowledge, and how these different approaches can be reconciled or integrated to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Related terms

A Priori:

A priori knowledge is knowledge that is independent of experience and can be known through reason alone, without the need for empirical observation.

Empiricism:

Empiricism is the theory that the origin of all knowledge is sensory experience, and that genuine knowledge can only come from actual experience of the world.

Rationalism:

Rationalism is the theory that reason, rather than experience, is the foundation of certainty in knowledge.