A posteriori knowledge

Definition

A posteriori knowledge refers to knowledge that is gained through experience or empirical evidence, rather than through reasoning or innate ideas. This type of knowledge is often associated with the empirical approach of gathering information from the world around us, making it fundamental to discussions about how we understand and interpret reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A posteriori knowledge relies on evidence and observation, meaning it cannot be known without some form of experiential input.
2. In philosophy, a posteriori knowledge is often contrasted with a priori knowledge, which is independent of experience and derived from reason alone.
3. Examples of a posteriori knowledge include scientific discoveries, historical facts, and personal experiences.
4. Philosophers like John Locke and David Hume are prominent advocates of empiricism, emphasizing the significance of a posteriori knowledge in understanding human cognition.
5. A posteriori reasoning is crucial for scientific methods, where hypotheses are tested against observable data to confirm or reject them.

Review Questions

• How does a posteriori knowledge challenge or support the principles of rationalism?
  • A posteriori knowledge challenges rationalism by emphasizing that not all knowledge can be acquired through reason alone; rather, it argues that experience and observation play a critical role in forming our understanding of reality. Rationalists believe that certain truths exist independently of sensory experience, while proponents of a posteriori knowledge assert that empirical evidence is necessary to validate those truths. This creates a tension between the two viewpoints regarding how we come to know what we know.
• Evaluate the importance of a posteriori knowledge in the context of scientific inquiry.
  • A posteriori knowledge is essential in scientific inquiry because it underlines the importance of empirical data in testing hypotheses. Scientists rely on observations and experiments to gather information about the natural world, which informs their theories and conclusions. By validating or falsifying claims through direct evidence rather than purely theoretical reasoning, science ensures that its conclusions are grounded in reality, highlighting the practical significance of a posteriori knowledge.
• Synthesize the relationship between a posteriori knowledge and the development of modern philosophical thought.
  • The relationship between a posteriori knowledge and modern philosophical thought is marked by a shift towards empiricism as a foundation for understanding human cognition and reality. Philosophers like Hume contributed significantly by arguing that human understanding begins with sensory experiences, challenging earlier rationalist traditions. This synthesis has led to an acknowledgment of the limitations of reason when divorced from empirical evidence, thus shaping contemporary discussions about epistemology and influencing fields such as science, ethics, and psychology.

Related terms

Empiricism: A philosophical theory that emphasizes the role of sensory experience in the formation of ideas, suggesting that all knowledge comes from experience.

Rationalism: A philosophical viewpoint asserting that reason and intellect are the primary sources of knowledge, often contrasting with empiricism and a posteriori knowledge.

Synthetic Judgments: Statements whose truth value can be determined through experience or observation, often contrasted with analytic judgments which are true by definition.