A posteriori meaning

A posteriori knowledge is knowledge gained through experience or empirical evidence rather than through reason or deduction.


A posteriori definitions

Word backwards a iroiretsop
Part of speech A posteriori is an adverb.
Syllabic division a pos-te-rio-ri
Plural The plural of the word "a posteriori" is "a posteriori".
Total letters 11
Vogais (4) a,o,e,i
Consonants (4) p,s,t,r

When it comes to philosophical terms, a posteriori is a crucial concept that refers to knowledge or justification that is dependent on experience or empirical evidence. This term is often used in epistemology, which is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, origin, and scope of knowledge.

Definition of a posteriori

In simple terms, a posteriori knowledge is knowledge that is gained through observation or experience. This stands in contrast to a priori knowledge, which is knowledge that is independent of experience and can be known prior to any sensory experience.

Examples of a posteriori knowledge

For example, if someone knows that it is raining outside because they see and feel the raindrops falling, this knowledge is considered a posteriori knowledge. Similarly, if a scientist conducts an experiment to test a hypothesis and collects data to support or refute it, the results of the experiment would be considered a posteriori justification.

Philosophical implications

The distinction between a posteriori and a priori knowledge is essential in various philosophical debates, such as arguments about the nature of knowledge, the limits of human understanding, and the sources of justification for beliefs. Understanding the differences between these two types of knowledge can help philosophers explore the foundations of knowledge and how we come to know things about the world.

In conclusion

Overall, a posteriori knowledge plays a vital role in epistemology by highlighting the importance of experience and observation in gaining knowledge and forming justified beliefs. By recognizing the role of empirical evidence in our understanding of the world, philosophers can deepen their exploration of the nature of knowledge and the ways in which we acquire it.


A posteriori Examples

  1. The scientist used a posteriori reasoning to draw conclusions based on empirical evidence.
  2. In philosophy, a posteriori knowledge is knowledge that is dependent on experience or evidence.
  3. The detective relied on a posteriori clues to solve the mystery.
  4. A posteriori analysis of the data revealed interesting patterns.
  5. The decision was made using a posteriori information gathered from surveys.
  6. She arrived at her hypothesis through a posteriori reasoning.
  7. The judge made a decision based on a posteriori evidence presented in court.
  8. His theory was supported by a posteriori experiments conducted in the lab.
  9. A posteriori thinking requires careful evaluation of available facts.
  10. The historian pieced together the events using a posteriori accounts from witnesses.


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  • Updated 20/05/2024 - 10:04:07