A Posteriori

A posteriori is a Latin term that translates to “from the latter” or “after the fact.”
It refers to knowledge or statements that are based on empirical evidence and experience,
rather than being derived purely from logical reasoning or innate concepts.

In epistemology and philosophy, a posteriori knowledge is contrasted with a priori knowledge.
A posteriori knowledge is obtained through observations, senses, and concrete experiences
of the external world, while a priori knowledge is independent of experience, relying solely
on reasoning or intuition.

Empirical Evidence

A posteriori knowledge relies heavily on empirical evidence, which refers to the information
acquired from direct observation, experimentation, and perception of the physical world.
It relates to knowledge gained through the senses or through reliable data gathered from
scientific studies or experiments.

Experience-based Reasoning

A posteriori statements are rooted in experience-based reasoning. Individuals form these
statements by drawing conclusions from their personal experiences, observations, and interactions
with the world. This type of reasoning allows for the exploration and understanding of the
causal relationships between events, objects, or phenomena.

Contrast with A Priori

A posteriori knowledge stands in contrast to a priori knowledge, in which statements or knowledge
is deduced through pure reasoning, independent of experience. A priori knowledge is considered
to be a priori analytic if its truth can be known solely through the understanding of its meaning
(e.g., mathematical or logical truths), or a priori synthetic if its truth requires empirical evidence
(e.g., scientific laws).