A posteriori: what it is, meaning, synonyms

George Alvarez 30-05-2023
George Alvarez

For Latin, the term after the event Thus, it generally refers to reasoning that works backwards from effects to causes.

This kind of thinking can sometimes lead to false conclusions. The fact that a sunrise follows the crowing of a rooster does not necessarily mean that the crowing of the rooster makes the sun rise.

The meaning of a posteriori

You may be asking yourself what is after the event This is a term applied to knowledge that is considered to be true based on experience, observation, or existing data. In this sense, a posteriori describes knowledge that requires evidence.

This term is often applied to things that involve inductive reasoning, that is, that uses specific instances to arrive at a general principle or law (from effect to cause). The term can also be used as adjective as in "a posteriori knowledge", or as in adverb A possible synonym for a posteriori is "afterwards".

What does it mean a priori

The Latin phrase "a priori" is used in our language to refer to what is prior to something. In general, the expression is used to name knowledge that is developed before empirical confirmation is obtained.

A distinction is often made between a priori knowledge and a posteriori knowledge. Thus, a priori knowledge is related to the universal, while a posteriori knowledge is related to something particular, that is, which depends on empirical verification.

Where does the term posteriori come from

The definition of "a posteriori" in psychoanalysis was redefined and rescued by Lacan. For him, "a posteriori" means that everything the individual experiences is already established in the psychic apparatus. Therefore, these events will have a relevance for the individual when he reaches maturity.

In turn, the psychoanalyst writer Kusnetzoff in his book (1982) makes a definition about hindsight. According to him, the relationship is like a psychic apparatus, where its performance will only be shown when it is finished.

A Posteriori for Freud

"A posteriori" is a term often used by Sigmund Freud to denote a conception of time and cause in relation to psychic events and changes. Freud states that our experiences and impressions are shaped and reshaped as our new experiences arise, thus providing access for certain development.

Difference between A priori and A posteriori

A posteriori knowledge is based on experience or observation. Thus, it needs an analysis that depends on a person's lived experience.

In turn, a priori knowledge With or without data to back up what is being said, the a priori argument is justifiable. For example, someone may argue that "all single people can be considered unmarried." This is a statement that needs no further study. After all, it is known that people who are single are unmarried people.

See_also: Oral Phase: Meaning in Freud and Psychology

5 examples of a posteriori

To learn how to use the term "a posteriori" in a sentence, read the examples we suggest and try to create a sentence.

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  • However, Guillermo rejected the evidence to posteriori to prove the existence of God.
  • These judgments increase knowledge, because they incorporate new knowledge about the subject, but they are the posteriori It is necessary to go to experience to know its truth.
  • The existence of God is held by Albert and Aquinas to be dominated by reason; but here again they reject Anselm's ontological argument, and restrict themselves to a posteriori proof, rising in the manner of Aristotle from that which is prior to us to that which is prior by nature or in itself.
  • The knowledge that "not all swans are white" is a case of a posteriori knowledge, since the observation of the black swans was necessary to affirm what was established. A posteriori judgments are verified using experience, they are empirical judgments, they refer to facts.
  • This type of proof has been called a posteriori argument.

4 examples of a priori

  • The judge should not judge the case a priori until the cause is known.
  • Without knowing the people, you should not prejudge.
  • The decision analyzed does not lead, a priori, to problems.
  • "Planet Earth is larger than each of its continents" is analytic a priori, because it is not based on experience, but constitutes a necessary and universal truth.
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A priori and a posteriori in Philosophy

Two forms of knowledge

Philosophers like Aristotle and later medieval scholars differentiate between two sources of knowledge: reason and experience. From reason we can reach conclusions without any empirical observation. Therefore, it is an a priori knowledge. By the experience of what we observe we make statements, which are posteriori.

A priori and A posteriori for Kant

The philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804) made new standards and criteria to better define scientific knowledge. In this way, he established different distinctions for the categories of judgment. Kant defined that in the "a priori" case, no information (for example, some mathematics lesson on measurements or straight lines) could provide a basis for experience.

In the "a posteriori" case, Kant said that falsity or truth must be the basis for experience. In this case, it is possible to say for example that some birds are blue. The philosopher with his analysis managed to achieve a twofold goal. On the one hand, he managed to establish a criterion for dealing with a scientific language.

The criterion he created was very strict: judgments that could not be considered a priori (that cannot provide a basis for experience) would not be accepted from a scientific point of view. Thus, he decided to integrate and relate two currents that, according to his traditions, are irreconcilable, being rationalism and empiricism.

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Concluding Remarks

As we have seen in this article, to use the term after the event This is because nothing can be proven without experience or observation.

All schools have subjects such as Science, Physics and Biology. posteriori Thus, we have proof that scientists, whether physicists or biologists, have made several studies to reach that conclusion. In this way, they ensured that their opinion would be difficult to contradict.

Did you like this article we made especially for you about after the event If so, I invite you to dive into this incredible world that is Psychoanalysis. online psychoanalysis course. Thus, you will understand much better how the construction of human knowledge works and how human beings behave!

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.