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b_b · 4613 days ago · link · · parent · post: A Priori Reasoning, Mathematics, and those Goddamn Reddit Atheists
A priori translates from Latin to "from before". In philosophy-speak, it basically means that which exists outside the realm of human existence, especially ideas. Many argue that mathematics exist a priori, because, for example, 2 + 2 = 4 is true whether we thought of it or not. The opposite is a posteriori (from after), which refers to (and I'm being simple for brevity's sake) ideas that were concocted by humans.
Math is a great philosophical example of the difference between the two, because of the great debate about whether we discover math principles (a priori) or whether we invent them (a posteriori). Its a good and worthy philosophical debate, but I think it has very little to do with whether God(s) exists.
I appreciate the clear examples you give. I looked up the term in Wikipedia and while it shed some light, your examples are easier for me to grasp. I'm going to dig deeper in to the two different types of knowledge, you are right it is a "worthy philosophical debate". Thank you.
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thenewgreen · 4464 days ago · link ·
- “If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
stumbled upon this tonight and thought you'd get a laugh from it too. Is it too low brow to have a "favorite jack handy" post on hubski?