A Priori vs. A Posteriori Knowledge in Epistemology
A Priori = Latin for “from what is earlier” – Before Experience
A Posteriori =Latin for “from what is later” – After Experience
Epistemology, the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, scope, and limits of human knowledge, delves into the fundamental question: How do we know what we know? Within this realm, two key concepts play pivotal roles in shaping our understanding of knowledge acquisition: a priori and a posteriori knowledge.
Epistemology: Grasping the Nature of Knowledge
Before diving into the distinctions between a priori and a posteriori knowledge, it’s essential to grasp the broader field of epistemology. Epistemology seeks to explore the processes, sources, and validity of knowledge.
It delves into questions such as: What is knowledge? How is it acquired? Can we trust our senses? These inquiries form the bedrock upon which the understanding of a priori and a posteriori knowledge rests.
One issue with epistemological discussions is that most of them are conducted with only a priori knowledge. Logisticians “deduce” the reason of experience without the benefit of the actual experience. In real life experiences, it’s never completely one or the other. A person will go insane trying to hold that artificial line. Discernment is knowing when to make the switch.
An interesting way I tend to think of the difference is that a priori knowledge can be taught and learned. A posteriori knowledge you come to know through various exposure experiences.
One of my favorite and funny examples of growth from a priori knowledge into a posteriori knowledge comes from Quentin Tarintino’s Pulp Fiction. Here was something that Jules said for years without giving it much thought, however he saw something that day that made him think again. He had an Experience. LalocheziaIn consideration of all of my readers, posts with profanity… Warning
Read on for the academic discussion of a priori and a posteriori.