A posteriori

Definition

A posteriori refers to knowledge or justification that is dependent on empirical evidence or experience. This concept stands in contrast to a priori knowledge, which is independent of experience. A posteriori knowledge arises after observation and can often be associated with inductive reasoning, where generalizations are made based on specific instances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kant argues that a posteriori knowledge is essential for understanding the empirical world, as it relies on our experiences and observations.
2. In the context of Kant's work, a posteriori knowledge is linked to synthetic judgments, which combine concepts and require empirical verification.
3. Kant differentiates between a priori and a posteriori to establish his epistemological framework, showing how both types of knowledge contribute to human understanding.
4. A posteriori arguments often rely on specific examples or cases to draw broader conclusions about reality, making them inherently contingent.
5. Kant critiques pure empiricism by asserting that while a posteriori knowledge is valuable, it cannot form the sole basis of all knowledge, as some fundamental concepts must be understood a priori.

Review Questions

• How does Kant differentiate between a priori and a posteriori knowledge in his critiques?
  • Kant distinguishes a priori knowledge as being independent of experience, while a posteriori knowledge depends on empirical observation. In his critiques, he emphasizes that while a posteriori knowledge is essential for gaining insights into the empirical world, it cannot fully account for the structures of understanding that shape our perception. This distinction helps Kant explore the limits and capacities of human cognition.
• In what ways does a posteriori knowledge challenge pure empiricism according to Kant's arguments?
  • Kant challenges pure empiricism by asserting that while a posteriori knowledge is crucial for understanding reality through experience, it cannot serve as the foundation for all knowledge. He suggests that certain fundamental concepts must exist independently of experience to make sense of what we observe. This view highlights the interplay between empirical evidence and rational structures in forming comprehensive understanding.
• Evaluate the significance of a posteriori knowledge in relation to synthetic judgments within Kant's philosophical framework.
  • In Kant's philosophical framework, a posteriori knowledge plays a crucial role in synthetic judgments, which are statements that require empirical evidence to be verified. The significance lies in how these judgments expand our understanding by linking concepts through observation. By arguing that synthetic judgments depend on both experience and rationality, Kant illustrates the complexity of human cognition and the necessity of integrating different types of knowledge for a complete understanding of the world.

Related terms

a priori: A priori knowledge is independent of experience, often derived from logic and reasoning without the need for empirical evidence.

empiricism: Empiricism is the philosophical theory that all knowledge originates from sensory experience, emphasizing observation and experimentation.

synthetic judgments: Synthetic judgments are statements whose truth value is determined by how they relate to the world, requiring empirical evidence for verification.