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View synonyms for a posteriori

a posteriori

[ ey po-steer-ee-awr-ahy, -ohr-ahy, -awr-ee, -ohr-ee ]

adjective

  1. from particular instances to a general principle or law; based upon actual observation or upon experimental data: Compare a priori ( def 1 ).

    an a posteriori argument that derives the theory from the evidence.

  2. not existing in the mind prior to or independent of experience. Compare a priori ( def 2 ).


a posteriori

/ ɑː; -rɪ; eɪ pɒsˌtɛrɪˈɔːraɪ /

adjective

  1. relating to or involving inductive reasoning from particular facts or effects to a general principle
  2. derived from or requiring evidence for its validation or support; empirical; open to revision
  3. statistics See posterior probability
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of a posteriori1

1615–25; < Latin: literally, from the one behind. See a- 4, posterior
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Word History and Origins

Origin of a posteriori1

C18: from Latin, literally: from the latter (that is, from effect to cause)
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Compare Meanings

How does a posteriori compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

In scholastic terms this was a debate over the reliability of a posteriori reasoning; in our terms it is a debate over the evidence of things, or over Evidence-Indices.

This a posteriori saga gives us a refreshed Raphael, whose psychological acuity feels newly approachable.

“There’s no rigorous mathematical argument you can write about one event evaluated a posteriori,” he said.

The maximum a posteriori value and minimal 68.3% credible interval from this posterior density function is .

From Nature

Although this specific interaction was not quantified in this example, we view this a posteriori justification of a stereochemical outcome as a foundation for future rational design of such interactions in catalytic systems.

From Nature

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More About A Posteriori

What does a posteriori mean?

A posteriori is a term applied to knowledge considered to be true based on experience, observation, or existing data. In this sense, a posteriori describes knowledge that requires evidence.

A posteriori comes from Latin and literally translates as “from the latter” or “from the one behind.”

It’s often applied to things involving inductive reasoning, which uses specific instances to arrive at a general principle or law (from effect to cause).

It can be used as an adjective, as in a posteriori knowledge, or as an adverb, as in We acquire knowledge a posteriori—through experience.

A posteriori contrasts with a priori, which literally translates as “from the previous” or “from the one before” and is applied to things considered to be true without being based on previous experience or observation. A priori is applied to things that involve deductive reasoning, which uses general principles to arrive at specific facts or conclusions (from cause to effect).

Both a priori and a posteriori are used in the context of reasoning and philosophy, especially epistemology, which is the philosophical study of knowledge. Both can also be used generally, though they’re often used formally.

Example: It’s a scientist’s job to gather facts a posteriori by careful observation.

Where does a posteriori come from?

The first records of the use of a posteriori in English come from around 1620. The first part, a, means “from,” and posteriori means “behind” (the English word posterior is based on the same root).

The terms a priori and a posteriori were popularized by philosopher Immanuel Kant in his influential 1781 book Critique of Pure Reason, which focuses on the distinction between empirical and non-empirical knowledge.

A priori knowledge is independent of experience, while a posteriori knowledge is derived from experience or observation. Things that are claimed to be true a priori are often thought to be self-evident, while those claimed to be true a posteriori are based on what has been experienced or demonstrated to be true.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with a posteriori

What are some words that often get used in discussing a posteriori?

 

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How is a posteriori used in real life?

A posteriori is primarily used in philosophy, but is also occasionally used in general conversation and writing.

 

 

Try using a posteriori!

True or False? 

A posteriori knowledge is thought to be self-evident.

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à pointa priori