A priori

:This article is about the a priori in philosophy. You may be looking for information about a priori constructed languages.

Related Topics:
Philosophy - Constructed languages

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A priori is a Latin phrase meaning "from the former" or less literally "before experience". In much of the modern Western tradition, the term a priori is considered to mean propositional knowledge that can be had without, or "prior to", experience. It is usually contrasted with a posteriori knowledge meaning "after experience", which requires experience.

Related Topics:
Latin - Propositional knowledge - A posteriori

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For those within the mainstream of the tradition, mathematics and logic are generally considered a priori disciplines. Statements such as "2 + 2 = 4", for example, are considered to be "a priori", because they are thought to come out of reflection alone.

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Logic - Thought

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The natural and social sciences are usually considered a posteriori disciplines. Statements like "The sky is usually mostly blue", for instance, might be considered "a posteriori" knowledge.

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