a priori, a posteriori
The terms "a posteriori" and "a priori" are philosophical and theological concepts that refer to different types of knowledge or justification. They are often used in discussions about the nature of truth, the limits of human knowledge, and the relationship between faith and reason.
In simple terms, "a priori" knowledge is knowledge that is gained independently of experience or observation, while "a posteriori" knowledge is knowledge that is gained through experience or observation.
To understand these concepts more deeply, let us dive into the dictionary explanation of each term:
A Priori
The term "a priori" comes from the Latin phrase "priori," meaning "from the earlier." It refers to knowledge that is gained independently of experience or observation, often through reasoning or deduction. In other words, a priori knowledge is knowledge that is known to be true without needing to be verified by empirical evidence.
For example, the statement "all bachelors are unmarried" is a priori knowledge because it is known to be true based on the definition of the word "bachelor" alone, without any need for empirical evidence or observation. Another example of a priori knowledge is the statement "2+2=4," which is true based on the rules of arithmetic alone.
In theology, the concept of a priori knowledge is often used to refer to knowledge of God that is gained through reason or deduction, rather than through direct experience or observation. For example, theologians may argue that the existence of God can be known a priori through logical reasoning, rather than through empirical evidence.
A Posteriori
The term "a posteriori" comes from the Latin phrase "posteriori," meaning "from the latter." It refers to knowledge that is gained through experience or observation, rather than through reasoning or deduction. In other words, a posteriori knowledge is knowledge that is known to be true based on empirical evidence.
For example, the statement "the sun rises in the east and sets in the west" is a posteriori knowledge because it is known to be true based on observation and experience, rather than on reasoning or deduction. Another example of a posteriori knowledge is the statement "the grass is green," which is true based on empirical evidence obtained through sight.
In theology, the concept of a posteriori knowledge is often used to refer to knowledge of God that is gained through direct experience or observation, rather than through reason or deduction. For example, theologians may argue that the existence of God can be known a posteriori through the beauty and complexity of the natural world, or through personal experiences of the divine.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the concepts of a priori and a posteriori knowledge are important in both philosophy and theology. They refer to different ways of knowing or justifying beliefs, with a priori knowledge being gained through reasoning or deduction, and a posteriori knowledge being gained through experience or observation. In theology, these concepts are often used to explore questions about the nature of God and the limits of human understanding.
## Bible Verses
**Psalm 19:1**
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
**Romans 1:20**
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
**John 1:1-3**
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
**John 4:24**
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
**Hebrews 11:6**
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”