A posteriori knowledge

Definition

A posteriori knowledge refers to knowledge that is dependent on empirical evidence or experience, rather than being derived from theoretical deduction or pure reasoning. This type of knowledge is gained after experiencing something, making it contingent on observations of the world. It contrasts with a priori knowledge, which is understood independently of experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A posteriori knowledge requires sensory experience, meaning it is grounded in observation and experimentation.
2. Examples of a posteriori knowledge include scientific findings, historical facts, and personal experiences that inform beliefs.
3. This type of knowledge plays a crucial role in the scientific method, where hypotheses are tested against observable data.
4. Philosophers like David Hume argued that all meaningful statements must be either a priori or a posteriori, placing significant emphasis on empirical evidence.
5. In discussions about justified true belief, a posteriori knowledge serves as a key component in assessing whether a belief can be considered genuine knowledge.

Review Questions

• How does a posteriori knowledge differ from a priori knowledge, and what implications does this have for understanding truth?
  • A posteriori knowledge differs from a priori knowledge in that it relies on empirical evidence gained from experience, while a priori knowledge exists independently of such experiences. This distinction impacts our understanding of truth by suggesting that some truths are only accessible through observation and experimentation, making them potentially fallible. Consequently, this emphasizes the importance of evidence in forming beliefs about the world.
• Discuss the role of a posteriori knowledge within the framework of justified true belief and how it contributes to our understanding of what constitutes knowledge.
  • In the framework of justified true belief, a posteriori knowledge provides the empirical grounding needed to support beliefs. For a belief to qualify as knowledge under this model, it must not only be true but also justified through experience or observation. This highlights how our understanding of knowledge is intertwined with our ability to validate beliefs through tangible evidence gathered from the world around us.
• Evaluate the implications of relying solely on a posteriori knowledge for forming beliefs about complex concepts such as morality or metaphysics.
  • Relying solely on a posteriori knowledge for complex concepts like morality or metaphysics poses challenges since these areas often transcend empirical observation. Such reliance may lead to a limited understanding that dismisses theoretical insights or logical deductions as valid sources of knowledge. This creates an ongoing philosophical debate about the balance between empirical evidence and rational thought when grappling with abstract ideas, influencing how we perceive moral truths and metaphysical realities.

Related terms

Empiricism: A philosophical theory that emphasizes knowledge coming primarily from sensory experience.

A Priori Knowledge: Knowledge that is independent of experience, often involving logical deductions or inherent truths.

Justified True Belief: A traditional model of knowledge that defines it as a belief that is true and justified, linking closely with discussions on what constitutes knowledge.