A Priori vs A Posteriori

• a priori: knowlege is based on rationalisation and does not rely on experience data. This knowledge is justified mathematically or by definition
• Tautology: saying something obviously true. For example, all bachelors are unmarried
• a posteriori: knowledge is based on experience
• Empirical Knowledge: knowledge or source of knowledge gathered via the senses
• Analytic statements: statements where the predicate is contained within the subject. No additional information is needed.
• An example of an analytic statement is bachelors are unmarried.
• An example of a priori knowledge is all bachelors are unmarried.
• An example of a posteriori knowledge is all bachelors feel a sense of liberation.
• Synthetic statement: statement that relies on additional information not contained within the subject.
• An example of a synthetic statement is opthamologists are rich.
• In an Analytic statement the predicate (description) is contained within the subject. In a Synthetic statement the predicate is not contained within the subject and additional knowledge is required.
• Deductive argument: arguments when the premises guaruntee the conclusion
• Deductive arguments always have a neccessary conclusion.
• Example of a Deductive argument

  • P1 = Circles are round
  • P2 = This shape is round
  • C = This shape is a circle
• Inductive arguments: arguments where the premises mean the conclusion is likely but not certain
• Inductive arguments always have a probable conclusion.
• Example of an inductive arguments

  • P1 = School is open on weekdays
  • P2 = School is open
  • C = Today must be a weekday
• Philosophy: is the study of deep questions
• Syllogistic Logic: the terms of two premises can be united to form a conclusion