A priori and A posteriori Knowledge

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Contents

Introduction  (?)

A priori is the knowledge and presumptions about a subject that you have before observing or studying it. This previous knowledge is essential to science in some aspects, and harmful in others. Many mathematical properties of numbers are assumed to work in order to use them for calculating results and making predictions in scientific research. On the other hand, a priori assumptions can influence research and conclusions in science, yielding flawed results.

ID and A priori
Some have claimed that Intelligent Design Theory as a whole is an a priori study based on unwarranted presumptions, and therefore unfit as a scientific endeavor. It seems that critics who make this claim do not understand the probabilistic nature of design-theoretic research. Specified Complexity, and other information-based ID inferences, use a Fisherian approach to establishing design. This means that proper design-theoretic research is based on a probabilistic-eliminative approach that shows the prior inference to be statistically warranted. Any design-theoretic research comparing intelligent causation to chance and natural forces cannot use an a priori inference to design, otherwise the conclusions will certainly be flawed.

'A posteriori'


'ID and A posteriori'


Type  (?)

Theoria

Level  (?)

All (Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctorate, Postdoctorate)

Definition  (?)

Study a priori knowledge and its relationship to empirical research.

Objectives  (?)

Know the differences between a priori and a posteriori knowledge.

Questions  (?)

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using this knowledge in scientific research?
  • What is the proper role of a priori knowledge in scientific research?

Keywords  (?)

a priori, prior knowledge, research presumptions

Monographs  (?)

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eResources  (?)

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Criticism  (?)

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Status  (?)

Current ISCID

Extend  (?)

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Related  (?)

Design Argument

Notes  (?)

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Field(s)  (?)

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